National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heavy Rain From the Plains to the Northeast; Heat Wave Begins

Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are likely across parts of the Northeast, portions of the northern and central Plains, and the Ohio Valley. Portions of northeast Missouri and central Illinois could experience locally significant flash flooding. Dangerously hot conditions are expected in the Central Plains, Lower and Middle Mississippi Valley, and Southeast. Read More >

Upper Air Observations


Decoded Upper Level Winds

Plotted Upper Air Soundings

GOES Derived Atmospheric Vertical Soundings

Alternate Sources for Upper Air Soundings
Ohio State

California Wind Profiler Data Can be Found Here

Why Do Forecasters Still Rely on Weather Balloons?

Twice every day, from nearly 100 locations in the United States, the National Weather Service launches weather balloons, carrying instrument packages called radiosondes. Radiosonde sensors measure upper-air conditions such as atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity, wind speed and direction. The data is important for aviation safety, and meteorologists use radiosonde information to prepare weather forecasts.