ASOS

The Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) program is a joint effort of the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense (DOD). The ASOS systems serves as the nation's primary surface weather observing network. ASOS is designed to support weather forecast activities and aviation operations and, at the same time, support the needs of the meteorological, hydrological, and climatological research communities.

With the largest and most modern complement of weather sensors, ASOS has significantly expanded the information available to forecasters and the aviation community. The ASOS network has more than doubled the number of full-time surface weather observing locations. ASOS works non-stop, updating observations every minute, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Getting more information on the atmosphere, more frequently and from more locations is the key to improving forecasts and warnings. Thus, ASOS information will help the NWS to increase the accuracy and timeliness of its forecasts and warnings--the overriding goal of the NWS modernization.

The primary concern of the aviation community is safety, and weather conditions often threaten that safety. A basic strength of ASOS is that critical aviation weather parameters are measured where they are needed most: airport runway touchdown zone(s).

ASOS detects significant changes, disseminating hourly and special observations via the networks. Additionally, ASOS routinely and automatically provides computer-generated voice observations directly to aircraft in the vicinity of airports, using FAA ground-to-air radio. These messages are also available via a telephone dial-in port. ASOS observes, formats, archives and transmits observations automatically. ASOS transmits a special report when conditions exceed preselected weather element thresholds, e.g., the visibility decreases to less than 3 miles.

Reports basic weather elements:

• Sky condition:cloud height and amount (clear, scattered, broken, overcast) up to 12,000 feet
• Visibility (to at least 10 statute miles)
• Basic present weather information: type and intensity for rain, snow, and freezing rain
• Obstructions to vision: fog, haze
• Pressure: sea-level pressure, altimeter setting
• Ambient temperature, dew point temperature
• Wind: direction, speed and character (gusts, squalls)
• Precipitation accumulation
• Selected significant remarks including- variable cloud height, variable visibility, precipitation beginning/ending times, rapid pressure changes, pressure change tendency, wind shift, peak wind.

If you would like greater detail, try the ASOS Program Office and the Change Management Information web site.

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Last Update:08/03/99