A Listing of Sources for Weather and Climate Data

Realizing the importance of weather data to a wide range of users, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has in recent years placed an emphasis on the availability of data. While there are still costs associated with some specialized or certified data sets, users of weather information are able to obtain a wide range of data, from observations to remotely sensed imagery, from online sources. The sources of data listed here represent only a subset of sources of weather and climate data.

For our local users in Lower Michigan,
some data sets are available on the Climate Sections of our homepage.

Our climate page, contains daily and monthly climate reports for Grand Rapids, Lansing, Muskegon, Holland, Jackson, and Battle Creek. The preliminary F-6 monthly reports go back to 2008. A variety of products for many sites across Michigan can be accessed via the NOWData page

Current conditions can be accessed via our observations page. Both surface observations and upper air data can be obtained for Michigan and nearby locations.

The National Climatic Data Center, or NCDC, is the official repository of NWS data and the world’s largest archive of an extensive range of weather and climate data. All certified data must be obtained directly from NCDC. NCDC archives 99% of all NOAA data and makes it available in a number of formats. Climatological publications are available as well. The individual links are far too many to list here. Instead, we have provided links that correspond to our most frequent requests for data.

Surface observations are the most common request for data we receive. While NCDC is responsible for official data, there are other sources of archived surface data.

NWS observations within the past 24 hours are available here.

Various land management agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) maintain a network of Remote Automated Weather Stations, or RAWS, across the Great Lakes states.

The ROMAN network, or Realtime Observation Monitor and Analysis Network, lists observations from a number of available observation sources including the NWS, RAWS, SNOTEL and cooperative observers. A map of observations available for Michigan is available, and use the pull down menu for data from other states. 

Current and archived surface observations from several sources can be accessed through the MesoWest site. 

Current observations across Michigan are available.  Once a station is selected and daily data are displayed, choose the link at the bottom of the graph "Additional Tabular and Graphical Displays" to produce two week summaries or to download data.

If there are no observations of precipitation available for your area of interest, precipitation estimates derived from a combination of radar and observations may be useful. For anywhere in the continental U.S., precipitation estimates for different time scales are available. Use the menus to select different time scales and regions.

Upper Air Observations

Upper air data from the NWS network of radiosondes are available from FSL. This online database starts in 1998.

Snow

NOAA'a Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center has a variety of options for snow analyses.

The Interactive Multisensor Snow and Ice Mapping System provides access to snow and ice maps for additional regions.

NCDC monitors current snow observations.

Hydro Products

Climate Information

NOAA’s six regional climate centers comprise a nationwide network designed to provide accurate and reliable climate information. The Climate Centers are part of a three tiered climate services support program ,with NCDC (listed above) and the State Climate Offices as the other partners.

Michigan is served by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center.

High Plains Regional Climate Center
Western Regional Climate Center
Northeast Regional Climate Center
Southeast Regional Climate Center
Southern Regional Climate Center

Miscellaneous

A complete listing of satellite images and derived products are available from NESDIS.

Information on Past Hurricanes is available from the National Hurricane Center.

Surface Radiation for the Continental U.S.

The NWS Space Weather Prediction Center