NOAA extends Mesonet Partnership with Climavision for Enhanced Radar Data

NOAA extends Mesonet Partnership with Climavision for Enhanced Radar Data
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 19, 2024

The National Weather Service (NWS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has extended its agreement with Climavision, a company specializing in advanced weather technology. This renewed contract enables the NWS to continue using data from 13 radar stations operated by Climavision.

Over the past year, 20 NWS forecast offices across seven states have started evaluating Climavision's radar data as part of the National Mesonet Program. The focus of this evaluation has been to determine how effectively this data can support field operations.

Climavision operates and maintains a growing network of over 27 radars spanning 14 states. The company's X-band radars are specifically designed to fill in low-level gaps in coverage between existing NEXRAD radar sites. These radars provide critical real-time weather data at lower altitudes, which enhances the observation of weather-related hazards.

"Access to low-altitude data may provide additional radar coverage for our forecasters," said Ajay Mehta, NWS Director of the Office of Observations. "Our ongoing evaluation allows us to explore the use of X-band radar data in our Radar Next program."

Curtis Marshall, Mesonet Program Manager at NWS, commented, "The National Mesonet Program helps provide commercial observational data to NWS operations and forecasters. Working with Climavision, we've managed to distribute their radar data to some forecast offices and the Storm Prediction Center to support evaluation."

Climavision is actively working to expand its radar network, with the goal of installing over 200 radar sites across the U.S. As Congress moves forward with the reauthorization of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act, NOAA and the NWS are continuing to collaborate with private sector partners to explore new, innovative technologies that align with their mission.

Chris Goode, Climavision's CEO and Co-Founder, stated, "Our unique radar-as-a-service model positions us ideally to support NOAA's mission. We're thrilled to continue our collaboration, providing crucial data where it's most needed, particularly in underserved areas to safeguard lives and properties."

Bill Callahan, Vice President of Federal Engagement at Synoptic Data, highlighted the value of the partnership, noting, "Administering the National Mesonet program and integrating Climavision's radar data has proven exceptionally beneficial. It's been rewarding to enhance the resources available to weather forecasters nationwide over the past year."

Climavision remains dedicated to strengthening the future of national weather forecasting infrastructure and improving public safety across the country.