Mesonets: Mesoscale Weather and Climate Observations for the United States

Authors

Rezaul Mahmood, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Ryan Boyles, North Carolina State UniversityFollow
Kevin Brinson, University of DelawareFollow
Christopher Fiebrich, University of OklahomaFollow
Stuart Foster, Western Kentucky UniversityFollow
Ken Hubbard, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
David Robinson, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyFollow
Jeff Andresen, Michigan State UniversityFollow
Dan Leathers, University of DelawareFollow

Date of this Version

7-2017

Document Type

Article

Citation

Bulletin of the AMERICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, JULY 2017, pp. 1349-1361

DOI:10.1175/BAMS-D-15-00258.1

Comments

© 2017 American Meteorological Society. Used by permission.

Abstract

Mesoscale 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 mesoscale 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 subhourly 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 prescheduled frequencies. Most mesonets have developed close partnerships with a variety of local, state, and federal-level entities. The overall goal is 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.