Automatic Real-Time Quality Control of Surface Synoptic Observations

Abstract

A real-time quality control for surface observations has been developed and tested in the Israel Meteorological Service. Error sources specific to real-time work have been defined and special procedures to deal with them were developed. A great emphasis was given to data correction so that the scheme is not confined just to the rejection of incorrect data. The criteria for the correction and rejection procedures are mostly empirical and rely much on operational experience. Accumulated statistics indicate that many reports transferred through the Global Telecommunication System are very liable to contain errors, thus emphasizing again the need for a quality control program. Future development routes are suggested.