Critical fire weather conditions will continue across the Inter-mountain West through the upcoming weekend, as Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches are in effect. Meanwhile, strong to severe storms w/ damaging winds and heavy rain likely in North Carolina and southern Virginia. Finally, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring a broad area of low pressure in the Bahamas for development. Read More >
The National Weather Service (NWS) Upper-air Observations Program is managed by the Office of Observations (OBS), which is part of NWS Headquarters located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Upper-air Program staff oversee the operation of 92 Radiosonde stations in North America and the Pacific Islands. It also supports the operation of 10 stations in the Caribbean. Radiosondes provide upper-air data that are essential for weather forecasts and research. OBS staff are also involved in the development, testing and implementation of new radiosonde ground systems.
Fact Sheet - Information on radiosondes.
Network Maps - Maps showing station locations.
Special Studies - NWS HQ radiosonde data studies
Background - History of upper-air observations.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
NCEI - NOAA/National Centers for Environmental Information. Official source for archives of NWS upper air soundings.
NWSM 10 1401 Rawinsonde Observations Handbook - This manual provides instructions on how to take an upper air observation with NWS equipment.
