What is a mesonet?
Mesonets are interconnected networks of automated weather stations installed across an entire state or region and are built to improve detection and monitoring of local or regional weather conditions.
Typically, each mesonet station will collect data on temperature, relative humidity, pressure, solar radiation, wind speed and direction, and precipitation at rapid intervals (every 3 to 60-seconds). Some stations include complementary measurements like soil conditions, snow cover, cloud cover, or cameras to view the surrounding conditions.
Many states have established independent mesonets, often managed by universities, in response to the need for precise, accurate, and timely weather information. To date, approximately 30 mesonets are established across the United States, filling coverage gaps in the federal weather observing network. .
State mesonets typically partner with NOAA to deliver data to the National Weather Service through the National Mesonet Program (https://nationalmesonet.us)
How will the mesonet benefit Louisiana?
Weather and environmental monitoring is critical for human survival and proper resource management. Weather and climate disasters, such as tropical cyclones, severe weather episodes, major floods, droughts, and winter weather can significantly impact both the social and economic welfare across the state. In the past 20 years, Louisiana has experienced 46 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters , with these events severely impacting public life and property.
The Louisiana State Mesonet will provide weather data at frequent intervals across areas of the state where there are current gaps in data coverage. By filling these gaps, the mesonet data will provide “ground truth” observations that give a more accurate indication of current weather conditions, which could improve weather nowcasting and forecasting.
Sectors in Louisiana that may benefit from Mesonet data:
