Knowra Surface weather observation Surface weather observation A measurement and report of atmospheric conditions made at or near Earth’s surface. It commonly records temperature, pressure, wind, humidity, visibility, cloud, and precipitation.
Air temperature : A measure of the thermal state of air, usually reported in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. It is a basic surface variable, measured with a thermometer shielded from direct sunlight.
Automated weather station : A station that uses sensors and data systems to measure and transmit weather conditions automatically. Automated stations collect many routine surface measurements without continuous human attendance.
Numerical weather prediction : Forecasting that uses mathematical models of the atmosphere initialized with observations. Surface measurements constrain the model’s estimate of current atmospheric conditions.
METAR : An international coded format for routine aviation weather reports, including surface observations. Airport stations produce frequent standardized reports in this widely exchanged format.
Atmospheric pressure : The force per unit area exerted by the weight of the atmosphere. Surface pressure helps locate highs, lows, and pressure gradients across an observing network.
Stevenson screen : A ventilated, louvered shelter that protects meteorological instruments from direct sunlight and precipitation. Its exposure helps temperature readings represent shaded air rather than heating from sunlight.
Weather forecasting : The prediction of future atmospheric conditions using observations, physical understanding, and models. Repeated surface reports reveal evolving weather and help verify forecast conditions.
Synoptic observing network : A coordinated network of weather stations making observations at scheduled times for large-scale analysis. Its synchronized reports let forecasters compare conditions across broad regions.
Wind : The movement of air relative to Earth’s surface, described by speed and direction. Wind speed and direction are standard station measurements, usually taken at a defined height.
Anemometer : An instrument that measures wind speed. It supplies the speed component of the station’s wind observation.
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