Weather Observations PDF
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This document provides an overview of weather observations, covering various instruments and methods used to gather data about the atmosphere. It discusses surface and upper-air observations, and radar systems, including important instruments like the ceilometer and radar systems, as well as associated technologies involved in weather observations.
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WEATHER OBSERVATIONS WHAT IS OBSERVATION? Observations are data gathered from surface and upper altitude observations from the basis of all weather forecasts, advisories, and briefings. Observations may come in 1 of 3: 1.) Surface Aviation Weather Observations 2.) Upper Air Observation...
WEATHER OBSERVATIONS WHAT IS OBSERVATION? Observations are data gathered from surface and upper altitude observations from the basis of all weather forecasts, advisories, and briefings. Observations may come in 1 of 3: 1.) Surface Aviation Weather Observations 2.) Upper Air Observations 3.) RADAR Observations I. Surface Aviation Weather Observations Compilation of weather elements of the current weather at ground stations across a country. Automated Weather Observing System It consists of various sensors, a processor, a computer-generated voice subsystem, and a transmitter to broadcast weather data. Information gathered may be from a person, automated station and automated station A. Ceilometer (CLOUDS) It measures cloud height, thickness, and vertical visibility up to 40,000 feet. B. Visibility & Present Weather Sensor (VISIBILITY & PRESENT WEATHER) It measures the transparency of the atmosphere from 10 meters to 50 KM. It measures light attenuation and light scattering. It is not affected by temperature. B. Visibility & Present Weather Sensor (VISIBILITY & PRESENT WEATHER) It optically measures precipitation occurrences, type and rate. It can detect drizzle, rain, snow, freezing rain and freezing drizzle. B. Visibility & Present Weather Sensor (VISIBILITY & PRESENT WEATHER) It optically measures precipitation occurrences, type and rate. It can detect drizzle, rain, snow, freezing rain and freezing drizzle. C. Lightning Detection Sensor (LIGHTNING) It accurately detects and measures lightning strikes including direction. It detects electrical and magnetic fields generates by intra-cloud, inter-cloud, and cloud- to-ground electrical discharge within 200 NM radius. D. Rain Gauge (RAIN) It measures rain and snowfall volume and/or rate. F. Wind Speed and Direction Sensor (WIND) It uses a anemometer to measure wind speed. A certain type of Anemometer called Ultrasonic Anemometer is used for extreme weather conditions. G. Runway Visual Range Sensors/Transisometer It measures the transparency of the atmosphere. Automated Surface Observing Systems It provides surface observations every minute via digitized voice broadcasts and printed reports. Other Automated Facilities. II. Upper Air Observations Sources: Radiosonde Observations Pilot Weather Reports Radiosonde Observations A weather instrument that observes and reports meteorological conditions from the upper atmosphere. This instrument is typically carried into the atmosphere by some form of weather balloon. Pilot Weather Reports (PIREPs) It provides temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind data for heights up to and above 100,000 feet. It is the only real-time source of information regarding turbulence, icing, and cloud heights, which is gathered from pilots in flight, through the filing PIREPs. III. RADAR Observations It provides information about precipitation, wind and weather systems Sources: WSR-88D NEXRAD RADAR/Doppler RADAR FAA Terminal Doppler Weather RADAR Terminal RADAR FAA Airport Surveillance RADAR WSR-88D NEXRAD RADAR/Doppler RADAR It provides in-depth observations that inform surrounding communities of impending weather. WSR-88D NEXRAD RADAR/Doppler RADAR It provides in-depth observations that inform surrounding communities of impending weather. FAA Terminal Doppler Weather RADAR Installed at some major airport. It aids in providing severe weather alerts and warnings to air traffic controllers. Terminal RADAR Ensures pilots are aware of wind shear, gust fronts, and heavy precipitation; all of which are dangerous to arriving and departing aircraft. FAA Airport Surveillance RADAR It is used primarily to detect aircraft. It detects location and intensity of precipitation which is used to route aircraft traffic around severe weather in OBSERVATION “data gathered from surface and upper altitude observations RADAR Surface Aviation Upper Air Observations Weather Observations Observations WSR-88D NEXRAD 1. ASOS 1. Radiosonde RADAR/Doppler 2. AWOS 2. PIREP RADAR 3. Other FAA Terminal Automated Doppler Weather Facility RADAR Terminal RADAR FAA Airport Surveillance RADAR
