NYS Weather Observing Network
New York State Mesonet Weather Observing Network
Dr. Jerald Brotzge – NYS Mesonet Project Manager
The New York State (NYS) Mesonet or Early Warning Weather Detection System is an advanced, statewide weather station network. This network will be the first of its kind in New York and will consist of up to 125 surface weather stations that will detect weather phenomena across the entire state.This weather detection system will provide federal, state, and local communities with access to high-resolution, real-time data, and more robust predictive models.
- Each station will measure temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, solar radiation, atmospheric pressure, and soil moisture/temperature at three depths.
- 17 of these sites will have instrumentation to measure vertical profiles of wind, temperature, and moisture.
- 20 of these sites will measure snow depth and snow water equivalent for hydrological applications.
- All data will be transmitted in real-time to a central location, quality controlled, and then disseminated to the public via our website – www.nysmesonet.org.
- The NYS Mesonet will support more accurate and precise decision-making in agriculture, emergency management, energy, ground transportation and aviation (e.g. soil moisture and temperature data will improve irrigation efficiency and various pest models will be improved).
- Each station consists of a 33 ft tower centered within a 33 ft x 33 ft plot of land.To ensure the highest quality of data each station must be at least 300 feet from the nearest obstacle (tall trees, buildings, etc.) or potential heat sources (pavement).
- The University at Albany will pay for any expenses associated with installation and maintenance of each station.
If you would be interested in hosting a Mesonet site, please contact Dr. Jerald Brotzge at jbrotzge@albany.edu.If you would like to learn more about the NYS Mesonet, please visit our website at www.nysmesonet.org.
Last updated April 13, 2020