National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Severe Thunderstorms in the High Plains; Heavy Rainfall in the Mid-Atlantic

An Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) of severe thunderstorms is forecast across portions of the Central High Plains this afternoon. Severe wind gusts up to 70 mph and large hail will be possible. While PTC Eight has dissipated, additional heavy to excessive rainfall will be possible today across the Mid-Atlantic, especially in southeastern Virginia. 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.