Weather Monitoring
“Meteorological” refers to anything related to meteorology / weather, which is the scientific study of the Earth’s atmosphere and the processes that cause weather and climate patterns. Meteorological measurements are often used in weather forecasting, studying climate change, and understanding atmospheric conditions.
The processes of understanding, modeling, and forecasting weather involve the collection of quantitative data regarding the current conditions of the atmosphere, land, and ocean. This is achieved through meteorological data collection standards and satellite observations that integrate both hardware and software technologies.
Automated Weather Stations (AWS) systems include sensor measurements of wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, barometric pressure, lightning, and rainfall.
Frequently calculated weather metrics derived from these AWS sensor measurements include dew point, evapotranspiration, growing degree days, wind chill, heat index, wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) heat stress, rolling averages, and accumulations.
Advanced meteorological measurements include:
- Doppler radar tracking the velocity and direction of rain, snow, and wind to provide better warnings to reduce damage and loss of life from severe weather events, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms,
- Weather Satellites such as GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite), NOAA, and WMO (World Meteorological Organization) satellites provide real-time imagery of cloud cover, sea surface temperatures, and atmospheric conditions to track storm systems.
- LIDAR used for detecting cloud heights, atmospheric composition, and tracking wind profiles.
- Weather buoys deployed in oceans and large bodies of water collect data on sea surface temperature, wave height, and atmospheric pressure.
- Dual-polarization radar allows meteorologists to assess the shape and size of raindrops or snowflakes, distinguishing between different types of precipitation (e.g., rain vs. hail) and improving the understanding of storm dynamics.
- Radiosondes attached to weather balloons measure temperature, humidity, and pressure at various altitudes to understand atmospheric stability.
- Microwave and infrared sensors to monitor snow cover, soil moisture, and vegetation health.
Automated Weather Stations (AWS) systems manufactured by Stevens and advanced meteorological measurements dramatically improved the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts and climate monitoring. This allows for better preparation and response to weather-related events, leading to improved public safety, and enhanced understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Applications
Agriculture | Air quality | Sports field of play |
Public notice | Drought management | Nautical Navigable charting |
Recreation | Fire fighting | Ground transportation |
Flood warning | Dust control | Airports and air traffic navigation |
Water resources modeling and forecasts | Climate change control / research | Rocket launches |
Groundwater recharge | Stormwater | Military operations |
CSO (combined sewer overflow) | Erosion | Wind energy |