Weather Observations Overview

Weather forecasts, advisories, and briefings.

To compile weather elements of the current weather at ground stations across a country.

<p>Various Sensors, a processor, a computer-generated voice subsystem, and a transmitter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cloud height, thickness, and vertical visibility up to 40,000 feet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The transparency of the atmosphere from 10 meters to 50 KM, light attenuation and light scattering. It also measures precipitation occurrences, type and rate with the ability to detect drizzle, rain, snow, freezing rain, and freezing drizzle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It accurately detects and measures lightning strikes, including direction. It also detects electrical and magnetic fields generated by intra-cloud, inter-cloud, and cloud-to-ground electrical discharge within a 200 NM radius.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rain and snowfall volume.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Wind Speed and Direction Sensor uses an Anemometer to measure wind speed. An Ultrasonic Anemometer can be used for extreme weather conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The transparency of the atmosphere along a runway.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Every minute via digitized voice broadcasts and printed reports.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Radiosonde Observations provide meteorological conditions from the upper atmosphere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind data for heights up to and above 100,000 feet, turbulence information, icing, and cloud heights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Terminal RADAR (A), FAA Terminal Doppler Weather RADAR (B), FAA Airport Surveillance RADAR (C), WSR-88D NEXRAD RADAR/Doppler RADAR (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To alert pilots of wind shear, gust fronts, and heavy precipitation, which are dangerous to arriving and departing aircraft.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Primarily to detect aircraft, and it also detects the location and intensity of precipitation which is used to route aircraft traffic around severe weather.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To provide in-depth observations that inform surrounding communities of impending weather.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Data collected from ground and upper atmospheric readings, forming the foundation for weather predictions, alerts, and briefings.

They encompass weather elements at ground stations across a region, offering a snapshot of current conditions.

An automated system that collects and transmits weather data using various sensors and a processor.

A device that measures cloud height, thickness, and vertical visibility up to 40,000 feet.

A sensor that measures atmospheric transparency (visibility) and detects precipitation type and rate.

It detects and measures lightning strikes, including direction.

A device that measures rainfall volume and snowfall rate.

A sensor that uses an anemometer to measure wind speed and direction. Ultrasonic anemometers are used in extreme weather.

A device that measures atmospheric transparency, typically used near runways for aircraft.

A system that gathers surface observations every minute, broadcasting them via digitized voice and printed reports.

They provide observations from the upper atmosphere, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind data.

A weather instrument carried aloft by balloons to collect meteorological data from the upper atmosphere.

Reports filed by pilots while in flight, providing valuable real-time information about conditions like turbulence, icing, and cloud heights.

They provide valuable insights into precipitation, wind patterns, and weather systems.

The primary weather radar used in the United States, providing detailed observations and severe weather alerts.

RADAR systems installed at major airports to aid air traffic controllers in identifying and issuing severe weather warnings.

A type of radar that detects wind shear, gust fronts, and heavy precipitation, providing vital information for aircraft safety.

A radar primarily used for aircraft tracking, but its data on precipitation intensity helps route aircraft around severe weather.

Data gathered from various sources, including surface, upper air, and RADAR observations, forms the foundation for weather prediction, alerts, and briefings.

Observations collected from the ground are crucial for understanding current weather conditions and predicting future trends.

AWOS provides frequent, automated weather updates, which is vital for aviation safety and accurate weather forecasting.

Ceilometers ensure flight safety by determining safe takeoff and landing conditions and providing information for cloud forecasts.

Visibility sensors are crucial for safe navigation, particularly in aviation, and provide information about precipitation, aiding in weather warnings.

Lightning detection sensors are essential for aviation safety, alerting ground personnel and pilots to potential hazards.

Rain gauges provide important data for hydrological studies, flood warnings, and agriculture, complementing weather forecasts for precipitation.

Wind sensors are crucial for aircraft safety, particularly during takeoff and landing, inform weather forecasting models, and contribute to wind-related warnings.

Runway visual range sensors ensure safe flight operations by providing pilots with critical visibility information during landing.

ASOS provides continuous, automated weather data, supporting the development of accurate weather forecasts and enhancing aviation safety.

Upper air observations provide invaluable information about atmospheric conditions at higher altitudes, vital for accurate weather forecasting, aviation safety, and climate studies.

Radiosondes provide a detailed vertical profile of atmospheric conditions, essential for understanding weather phenomena, particularly severe weather events.

PIREPs contribute valuable real-time information about weather conditions, particularly for aviation safety, especially in regions with limited ground-based observations.

RADAR observations play a crucial role in predicting, tracking, and issuing warnings for severe weather events, ensuring public safety and supporting various weather-related activities.