Observations

Satellite– Two types:

• Polar Orbiting– very high resolution

– only twice a day

• Geostationary– lower resolution

– nearly continuous

– 3 basic channels

» VIS (visible)

» IR (infrared)

» WV (H2O)• www.arl.noaa.gov/ready/

cmet.html#modelgraphics

Radar– Surface based

• uses microwave energy sent in rapid pulses to detect wind & precip

– Network across USA• WSR88D located at 125 sites

including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and PR

– Displays returns of precip & wind in a 250 mile radius of site

• refreshed every 6 min.

Hourly Weather Reports (FAA)

Over 1300 airports take weather observations each hour (or more frequently)

METAR KABC 121755Z AUTO 21016G24KT 180V240

1SM -RA BR BKN015 0VC025 06/04 A2990

RMK A02 PK WND 20032/25 WSHFT 1715 VIS 3/4V1 1/2

RAB07 POOO3 6OOO9 T00640036 10066 21012 58033

Weather Station Model

Standard approach to representing data

Weather Maps Wide View

Weather Maps - Close-up

Weather Data - Time Series