Mesonets: Meso-Scale Weather and Climate Observations for the U.S.

Abstract

eso-scale in-situ meteorological observations are essential for better understanding and forecasting the weather and climate and to aid in decision-making by a myriad of stakeholder communities. They include, for example, state environmental and emergency management agencies, the commercial sector, media, agriculture, and the general public. Over the last three decades, a number of meso-scale weather and climate observation networks have become operational. These networks are known as mesonets. Most are operated by universities and receive different levels of funding. It is important to communicate the current status and critical roles the mesonets play.Most mesonets collect standard meteorological data and in many cases ancillary near surface data within both soil and water bodies. Observations are made by a relatively spatially dense array of stations, mostly at sub-hourly time-scales. Data are relayed via various means of communication to mesonet offices, with derived products typically distributed in tabular, graph and map formats in near real time via the World Wide Web. Observed data and detailed metadata are also carefully archived.To ensure the highest quality data, mesonets conduct regular testing and calibration of instruments and field technicians make site visits based on ?maintenance tickets? and pre-scheduled frequencies. Most mesonets have developed close partnerships with a variety of local, state, and, federal level entities. The overall goals are to continue to maintain these networks for high quality meteorological and climatological data collection, distribution, and decision-support tool development for the public good, education, and research.