Dataset 1300: U.S.S.R. Teletype Synoptic Observations

Abstract: The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has in its possession Russian Teletype Synoptic Observations from the period 1946-1958. The parameters that are covered include Temperature, Winds, Pressure, Relative Humidity, Cloud Height, Special Phenomena, Ground Temperature and Snow Depth. Data are generally available for hours 00, 03, 06, 09, 12, 15, 18 and 21. Hours 03, 09, 15 and 21 only were generally available starting 16 February 1953. Get the documentation in 1300.doc or 1300.pdf .

Dataset 3101: U.S. Summary of Climatological Data

Abstract: The Summary Climatological Data (SCD) (DSI-3101) is taken from the NWS NOAAPort (NOAAPORT is the name given to the satellite broadcast service used to provide effective, economical access to NOAA's real-time environmental data and products in conjunction with the NWS modernization restructuring), parsed, and formatted as described in this documentation. Information contained in DSI-3101 includes: 24hr Max Temp, 24hr Min Temp, 24hr Precip, Cloud Cover and Type, Duration of Sunshine, Depth of New Snow, Depth of Snow on Ground, Water Equiv of Snow on Ground, Tide data, and Present Weather. DSI-3101 is used as one source for the Surface Climate Information Archive and Dissemination System (SCIADS) ingest system. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 3101 complete document .

Dataset 3102: Panama Canal Watershed - Hourly Climatological Data

Abstract: These files contain daily summaries of the hourly climatological data for approximately 30 stations within the Panama Canal Watershed. Parameters include temperature, dew point, pressure, humidity, wind speed and direction, solar radiation and evaporation. This dataset also includes a separate file which contains 15-minute precipitation from the 1972-1973 time period. The hourly wind direction was calculated by the station firmware sampling the wind direction every 20 seconds. All other parameters were sampled at the same 20 second interval and an average was computed. The daily averages were calculated from the hourly data. Get the documentation in 3102.doc or 3102.pdf

Dataset 3200: U.S. Cooperative Summary of the Day Data

Abstract: This data set has been used in countless climatological studies, legal litigations, insurance claims, and various other research applications. It contains various parameters consisting of the previous days maximum and minimum temperatures, snowfall, and 24-hour precipitation totals that are initially obtained from state universities, state cooperatives, and the National Weather Service. Currently, there are approximately 8,000 active stations, known as cooperative observing stations with cooperative observers, but data are in these files for approximately 23,000 stations for various years. Selected Summary of the Day data from related file DSI-3210 for National Weather Service "first order" or principal climatological stations and "second order" stations have also been included in this file. The period of record and number of stations varies among the states. Although most stations began observations during the late 1800's, keying of the data to populate DS-3200 primarily began with the 1948 data sets.

Dataset 3202: U.S. Preliminary Cooperative Summary of the Day Data

Abstract: Due to the delay between the time that Cooperative Summary of the Day data is received and the time when the final archive tape is created and placed in DSI-3200, a preliminary Cooperative Summary of the Day data set has been created (DSI-3202). Starting with March 1993, DSI-3202 has been available for distribution to the user community. Current data months will be available in DSI-3202 approximately 45 days after the end of the data month.

Dataset 3205: U.S. Cooperative Summary of the Day Data - Midwest Climate Center

Abstract: This data set contains daily temperature and precipitation data plus auxiliary information for 9 Midwestern states and New Mexico (10 states total) for the period 1896-1947. The data were provided to the NCDC as a follow on to an extensive data digitization project carried out by the Midwestern Climate Center (MCC). The MCC project was a collaborative effort by state climatologists to convert early data for IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, MO, NM, OH, and WI that were only available in printed form into digital files. The auxiliary information includes station metadata and corrections to DSI-3200 data that are necessary to get DSI-3205 to fit together properly with DSI-3200. It must be noted that NCDC has the observations from the time the station opened, but the NWS has the current data.

Dataset 3206: U.S. Cooperative Summary of the Day Data - Pre-1948

Abstract: This file is a compilation of daily observations initially obtained from state universities, state cooperatives, and the National Weather Service. The period of record and number of stations varies among the states. The data set is a compilation of digitized manuscript records that are not included in TD-3200. The records generally date back to the late 1890's and end around 1948. Data are available for the 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Parameters included within this dataset are: temperatures at the time of observation and 7 a.m., 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.; daily maximum, minimum and mean temperatures; total precipitation amount, snowfall, and depth of snow on the ground; prevailing wind direction and total wind movement; evaporation; sky condition; and the occurrence of weather and obstructions to vision.

Dataset 3210: U.S. Summary of the Day First Order Data

Abstract: This Summary of the Day First Order data file contains daily selected elements of observations taken by certified observers. The stations are located worldwide and are operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), U.S. Air Force (Air Force Weather), U.S. Navy (Navy Weather Service), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A very small portion of this data dates back to 1890. Data from the late 1940's and onward comprise the bulk of this data set. These First Order Stations are usually fully instrumented and therefore record a complete range of meteorological parameters. The observations are generally recorded for the 24-HR period midnight to midnight. Through the years, approximately 1,380 principle stations have recorded observations in the program. Stations have varying periods of record and varying types of data elements. In the early years of aviation most stations were located in major cities. As aviation became more sophisticated, stations shifted to airports. Areal coverage includes the contiguous United States, Caribbean Islands, Pacific Islands, and other overseas stations of the NWS, FAA, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force. DS-3211 is a similar data set, the only difference is that the flags in DS-3210 are hand checked by the the staff at the NCDC.

Dataset 3211: U.S. Summary of the Day First Order ASOS Data

Abstract: The Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) program is a joint effort of the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense (DOD). The ASOS systems serves as the nation's primary surface weather observing network. The observations are minute-by-minute and are generally recorded for the 24-HR period midnight to midnight. The major parameters included within this data set are: temperature, dew point, pressure, sky conditions, precipitation amount, wind variables, visibility, present weather information and special weather occurrences. This data should be considered "raw" since the quality control process is strictly automated. Please refer to DS-3210 for a hand checked quality control process.

Dataset 3220: U.S. Summary Summary of the Month Data

Abstract: Information contained in this Summary of the Month (SOM) data file is primarily that from the cooperative network, augmented by observations from principal climatological stations operated by the National Weather Service and other sites having highly trained observers. This file contains data from 1831 and onward. The primary purpose of the cooperative observing program is the recording of 24-hour precipitation amounts, however, about 55% of the stations also record maximum and minimum temperatures. Principal stations are usually fully instrumented and therefore record a complete range of meteorological parameters. Through the years, more than 23,000 stations have recorded observations in this program but seldom were there more than 12,000 in operation at any time. Some 285 principal climatological stations report most of the elements. The remaining stations usually report fewer elements. Areal coverage includes the U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, some Pacific and Caribbean Islands, and selected Central American stations. The digital file contains record type, station identification, unit of measurement indicators, data quality flags, and element types. Annual totals and means were derived at the end of each year. The values are present in the 13th value. The first 12 values represent the 12 months of the year. Cooling Degree Day and Divisional Values are available only from 1980 forward. Divisional data before 1980 are available in TD9640 Divisional Averages Temperatures, Precipitation, and Normals.

Dataset 3240: U.S. Hourly Precipitation Data

Abstract: The observations in the Hourly Precipitation Data (HPD) database were taken by observers at principal (primary) stations, secondary stations, and cooperative observer stations operated by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA). Approximately 5,500 stations have recorded precipitation data through the period of this digital file. Initially (from August 1948 to September 1951) data were keyed on punched cards by the regional Weather Records Processing Centers. Then the task was transferred to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) in Asheville, NC. The hourly precipitation data file was transferred from punched cards to magnetic tape (TD-9657) during the late 1960s. This data file was then converted to the element file structure during 1984. Several recording (weighing) rain gauge instruments were used in measuring hourly precipitation, but by September 1963 many Fischer-Porter precipitation gauge instruments with automated readout, recorded on paper tape, were phased in. By early 1965, about 200 of these were in operation and they became the primary recording instrument. In 1996, there were approximately 2,400 Fischer-Porter gauges in operation. The Universal Rain gauge is the other primary instrument used to create this data file. It has an automated readout recorded on paper charts. In 1996, there were approximately 100 Universal Rain gauge stations in the HPD system. Station and dates of commissioning of weighing rain gauges are in the Station History listings available at the NCDC in Asheville, NC. Fischer-Porter precipitation gauges record data on punched paper tapes. A device known as the Mitron reader translates the data at NCDC. The Universal Rain gauge records data on paper charts. The precipitation recorded on the charts is then digitized. The data from the Surface Climate Information Archive and Dissemination System (SCIADS) or primary stations is also entered into DSI-3240.

Dataset 3241: U.S. Hourly Precipitation Data - ASOS Data

Abstract: The observations in the Hourly Precipitation Data File were taken by observers at principal (primary) stations beginning in May of 1995. There are approximately 150 stations in the data set. All stations are located in the continental United States (i.e. the 48 contiguous states and Alaska.) It is important to note that some stations have sent data sporadically. In addition, only partial data may be available for a data month. No data for the July 1995 data month is available. The data will be processed on a monthly basis as long as funding continues. The data is generally available 45 days after the end of the data month. The data were recorded on paper charts by the Universal Rain gauge. The Universal Rain gauge has a pen arm that continuously scribes a line on a chart that corresponds to the weight of contents in the gauge's holding bucket. The gauge has a 0.01" resolution.

Dataset 3260: U.S. 15-Minute Precipitation Data

Abstract: Fifteen minute precipitation data is available for over 2,000 stations located across the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the United States protectorates in the Pacific. This digital file began in May of 1971 as the TD-9927 file, and continued through December 1983 when it was then merged into DS-3260. Data are archived in a variable length element file structure. The gauge has a 0.01" resolution.

Dataset 3270: Surface Ozone Hourly Data

Abstract: NCDC maintains an extensive digital collection of historical, global climatic data from land surface, marine and satellite sources. The actual data in this file is continuous ozone in situ data. The primary data set consists of one hour average values. There are four global baseline observatories maintained and operated by The Climate Monitoring Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL) where local pollution and anthropogenic (man made or influenced) influences are frequently non existent. The sites are located at Barrow, Alaska, Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii, Cape Matatula, American Samoa, and South Pole, Antarctica. The data taken from these four stations goes back to the mid 1970s. The hourly digital file contains: record type, station identification, dates, units of measurement indicator, source codes, data quality flags, and element type.

Dataset 3271: Global Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Flask Measurements

Abstract: This data set represents the most comprehensive carbon dioxide flask data set available in the world. The data set contains carbon dioxide mixing ratio in parts per million (ppm) based on measurements from the NOAA/CMDL Cooperative Flask Sampling Network from 1967-1991. There are 34 worldwide sites of which 32 were still active in 1991. These data are updated periodically as part of a cooperative effort between The Climate Monitoring Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL) and NCDC which is supported as a core project by NOAA's Climate and Global Change Program.

Dataset 3272: Global Atmospheric Mixing Ratio Flask Measurements

Abstract: This data set represents the most comprehensive methane data set available in the world. The data set contains methane mixing ratios in parts per billion (ppb = parts in 10*9 by volume) based on measurements from the NOAA/CMDL Cooperative Flask Sampling Network from 1983-1991. There are 39 worldwide sites of which 32 were still active in 1991. These data are updated periodically as part of a cooperative effort between The Climate Monitoring Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL) and NCDC that is supported as a core project by NOAA's Climate and Global change Program.

Dataset 3273: Continuous Carbon Dioxide Hourly Data

Abstract: The Continuous Carbon Dioxide In situ Measurements Data File contains data from the Climate Monitoring Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL), a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Environmental Research Laboratories (NOAA/ERL). There are four global baseline observatories maintained and operated by CMDL where local pollution and anthropogenic influences are frequently non existent. The sites are located at Barrow, Alaska (BRW 27514), Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii (MLO 21511), Cape Matatula, American Samoa (SMO 61707), and South Pole, Antarctica (SPO 90002) where the information in parenthesis represent the 3 letter station abbreviation and the 5 digit WBAN identification number. The data taken from these four stations go back to the mid 1970s.

Dataset 3274: Continuous Meteorological Observations

Abstract: The Continuous Meteorological Observations Data File contains data from the Climate Monitoring Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL), a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Environmental Research Laboratories (NOAA/ERL). There are four global baseline observatories maintained and operated by CMDL where local pollution and anthropogenic influences are frequently non existent. The sites are located at Barrow, Alaska (BRW 27514), Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii (MLO 21511), Cape Matatula, American Samoa (SMO 61707), and South Pole, Antarctica (SPO 90002) where the information in parenthesis represent the 3 letter station abbreviation and the 5 digit WBAN identification number. The data taken from these four stations go back to the mid 1970s. Demand for data and comprehensive information concerning past and future fluctuations in atmospheric composition and climate continues to increase, and NOAA has a leading role in meeting this demand. Therefore CMDL takes long term monitoring data on atmospheric trace constituents. Meteorological parameters are measured to support research of these data.

Dataset 3280: Global Surface Airways Hourly

Abstract: This global data set contains hourly or 3-hourly surface weather observations that are measured primarily at major airports and military installations. Observations are made by trained personnel or automated equipment that has been tested by the controlling agency. The stations are usually fully instrumented and therefore record a complete range of meteorological parameters. The major data variables and parameters are as follows: Record Type (HLY), WBAN Identification Station number, Units of measurement indicators, source codes, data quality flags, and element types: cloud data, visibility data, wind data, temperature data, sky cover data, relative humidity data, pressure data, and present weather data. Hourly precipitation data are stored in the Hourly Precipitation Data file DSI-3240. The stations are located worldwide and are operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), U.S. Air Force (Air Force Weather), U.S. Navy (Navy Weather Detachments) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NWS and FAA sites are located in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and other Pacific Islands. The Navy and Air Force operate stations worldwide. This digital data file primarily begins in the late 1940's. Much data for earlier years are available in manuscript form. Beginning January 1, 1965, for most NWS stations and March 1, 1972, for most Naval Weather Service stations, the digitizing of the airways observations was reduced from 24 observations per day to 8 observations per day. These observations, at 3-hourly intervals, coincided with the normal GMT schedule of 00Z, 03Z, 06Z, etc. This means that the observations, keyed in local standard time (LST) differ according to time zone. Beginning with August 1981 data, 24 observations per day were again digitized for most active stations. Through the years approximately 1,500 principal stations have recorded observations in this program.

Dataset 3281: U.S. Airways Solar Radiation

Abstract: This data set contains hourly or 3-hourly surface weather observations that are measured primarily at major airports and military bases. Observations are made by trained personnel or automated equipment that has been tested by the controlling agency. The stations are usually fully instrumented and therefore record a complete range of meteorological parameters. The major data variables and parameters are as follows: Record Type (HLY), WBAN Identification Station number, Units of measurement indicators, source codes, data quality flags, and element types: cloud data, visibility data, wind data, temperature data, sky cover data, relative humidity data, pressure data, solar radiation data, and present weather data. Hourly precipitation data are stored in the Hourly Precipitation Data file DSI-3240. There are 31 stations included in this historical data set. They are located in the US and Guam. The stations are: Albuquerque, NM; Lander, WY; Bismarck, ND; Las Vegas, NV; Boise, ID;Long Beach, CA; Boulder, CO; Madison, WI; Brownsville, TX; Midland, TX; Burlington, VT; Montgomery, AL; Caribou, ME; Nashville, TN; Columbia, MO; Omaha, NE; Dodge City, KS; Phoenix, AZ; El Paso, TX; Pittsburgh, PA; Ely, NV; Raleigh, NC; Fresno, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; Grand Junction, CO; Seattle, WA; Great Falls MT; Sterling, VA; Guam, PI; Tallahassee, FL; and Lake Charles, LA. This digital data file primarily begins in the late 1940's. Much data for earlier years are available in manuscript form. Beginning January 1, 1965, for most NWS stations and March 1, 1972, for most Naval Weather Service stations, the digitizing of the airways observations was reduced from 24 observations per day to 8 observations per day. These observations, at 3-hourly intervals, coincided with the normal GMT schedule of 00Z, 03Z, 06Z, etc. Through the years approximately 1,500 principal stations have recorded observations in this program.

Dataset 3282: U.S. National Solar Radiation Database

Abstract: The National Solar Radiation Data Base (NSRDB) is a serially complete collection of hourly values of the three most common measurements of solar radiation (global horizontal, direct normal, and diffuse horizontal) over a period of time adequate to establish means and extremes, and at a number of locations adequate to represent regional solar radiation climates, from 1961-90. Areas with data include the 50 states of the United States and overseas stations of the US National Weather Service (NWS), US Navy, and US Air Force, including the Caribbean and Pacific. Direct normal data is limited or unavailable in certain areas: The industrial heartland region between Chicago and New York City; most of Alaska; and all island locations. Some data were missing or modeled.

Dataset 3283: U.S. ASOS Surface Airways Hourly Observations Data

Abstract: This data set contains Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) observations that are measured primarily at major airports. ASOS was designed specifically to support aviation operations and forecast activities. The automated system provides continuous minute by minute observations which are then averaged into an hourly observation. The capability does exist for a human observer to augment parts of an ASOS observation. The stations are usually fully instrumented and therefore record a complete range of meteorological parameters. The observations are generally recorded for the 24-hour period midnight to midnight. NCDC began collecting these data in 2001. The major data variables and parameters are as follows: Record Type (HLY), WBAN Identification Station number, Units of measurement indicators, source codes, data quality flags, and element types: cloud data, visibility data, wind data, temperature data, sky cover data, relative humidity data, pressure data, solar radiation data, and present weather data. The stations are located worldwide and are operated by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NWS and FAA sites are located in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.

Dataset 3285: U.S. ASOS Surface 1-Minute Data

Abstract: This is a new data set, expected to replace autographic charts. The data are expected to support the same types of uses, including quality control of lower resolution data, climatological research, litigation, insurance investigations, hydrological research and engineering designs. The stations are located worldwide and are operated by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NWS and FAA sites are located in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.

Dataset 3286: U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN)

Abstract: This data set contains hourly observations that are measured at sites specifically located for their representation of the climate of the United States. Observations are made by an automated instrument package, transmitted to a GOES satellite which in turn transmits the data to Wallops Island, Va. NCDC retrieves the data from Wallops Island using Local Readout Ground Station (LRGS) software. Wallops Island also sends the USCRN data to the National Weather Service Telecommunications Gateway (NWSTG) who posts the data on the NWS Gateway. NCDC has retrieved the data using an ftp process since 2001.

Dataset 3290: U.S. 6-Hourly Summary Observation Data

Abstract: Summary Observations is historical digital data set DS-3290, archived at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). Summary Observations is sometimes called 6 hourly data. It is meteorological data. DS-3290 data were collected primarily at major airports and military bases by trained personnel or automated equipment that had been tested by the controlling agency. The controlling agencies were the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US Air Force, and the US Navy. The NWS and FAA sites are located in the US, Puerto Rico, the Pacific islands of Guam and American Samoa, and the Pacific Ocean nations of Palau, Marshall Islands, and Micronesia. This Summary Observation data set contains surface synoptic data from the NWS Form MF1-10B and the forms that have replaced them. DS-3290 has the following major parameters: Maximum and minimum temperatures, precipitation, snow, and snow depth. For a station outside the US, DS-3290 data has four data values per day for each parameter. Data values are for 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Each data value represents a parameter value for the 6-hour interval since the previous time (hence, "6-hourly"). Times actually given are 15 minutes earlier (e.g. 0000 is 2345, 0600 is 0545, 1200 is 1145, and 1800 is 1745). For a station inside the US, there are generally six data values per parameter per day. Times are given in local standard time (LST). The purpose of using LST and having two extra data values is to "align" the GMT day with the local day. The second through fifth data values correspond to the four data values of a non-US station; but the times are expressed as the LST equivalent of each GMT. Minutes are always 45, as with a non-US station. The first and sixth data values are the "alignment" values: The first data value has the same time as the second data value, but the first value represents the parameter between local midnight and the given time, instead of a 6-hourly interval. The sixth data value has a time of 2400, and represents the parameter for the time interval between the previous data value and local midnight, instead of a 6-hourly interval.

Dataset 3292: U.S. Weather Duration Data

Abstract: This Weather Duration data file contains the beginning and ending times of occurrences of weather and/or obstructions to vision information that were recorded on National Weather Service's (NWS) MF1-10B form. Areal coverage includes the United States, Caribbean Islands, Pacific Islands (U.S. protectorates) and other overseas stations controlled by the National Weather Service. The digital file contains record type, station, identification, data source codes, data measurement and quality flags, beginning and ending times of occurrences, and element type.

Dataset 33xx: Inventory of 32xx Dataset Series

Abstract: The 33xx series is an inventory of the 32xx datasets. For daily and hourly data each record contains one year of inventory information for a particular data element of a particular data type. For monthly data each record contains one decade of inventory information. Get the documentation in 33xx.doc or 33xx.pdf

Dataset 3340: Inventory of U.S. Hourly Precipitation Data - Special ASOS Network

Abstract: The 3340 data set represents the monthly inventory for the Hourly Precipitation Data, DSI-3240. The data set contains three types of records: (1) header records, (2) elements observed records, and (3) inventory records.

Dataset 3341: Hourly Precipitation Data - Special ASOS Network - Inventory

Abstract: The 3341 data set represents the daily inventory for the Hourly Precipitation Data: Special ASOS Network, DSI-3241. Each inventory record contains the observing station state and station identification; year, month, day, and element of data inventoried; and, the Data Measurement Flag, the Quality Flag, and the number of times these two flags occur together as a pair for the given station state, station identifier, year, month, day, and element.

Dataset 3360: Inventory of U.S. 15 - Minute Precipitation Data

Abstract: The 3360 data set represents the monthly inventory for the 15-Minute Precipitation Data, DSI-3260. The data set contains three types of records: (1) header records, (2) elements observed records, and (3) inventory records.

Dataset 3390: Inventory of U.S. Hourly Summary Observation Data

Abstract: The 3390 data set represents the hourly inventory for the Summary Observation, DSI-3290. Each inventory record contains the observing station identification; year, month, day, hour, and element of data inventoried; and, the Data Measurement Flag, the Quality Flag, and the number of times these two flags occur together as a pair for the given station identifier, year, month, day, hour, and element.

Dataset 3392: Inventory of U.S. Weather Duration Data

Abstract: The 3392 data set represents the daily inventory for the Weather Duration, DSI-3292. Each inventory record contains the observing station identification; year, month, day, and element of data inventoried; and, the Data Measurement Flag, the Quality Flag, and the number of times these two flags occur together as a pair for the given station identifier, year, month, day, and element. Get the documentation in 3392.doc or 3392.pdf

Dataset 3500: Monthly Climatic Data for the World

Abstract: The National Climatic Data Center processes international electronic transmissions in CLIMAT (surface land station format), CLIMAT SHIP (ocean ship format) and CLIMAT TEMP (upper air format), for the purpose of building a surface/upper air database and publishing the MCDW bulletin. Approximately 1200 surface and 500 upper air stations are processed. These data are used in agricultural and energy assessment activities, in crop yield model development, and in the analysis of global atmospheric and regional climatic variations. The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) produces the data sets DSI-9645 and TD9648 (obsolete), which are also archived at NCDC, from the MCDW annual. (This data set contains data from 1986 onward. However, the data sets listed above contain other data from as early as 1731.

Dataset 3505: Global Integrated Surface Hourly Data

Abstract: The Integrated Surface Hourly (ISH) database is composed of worldwide surface weather observations from about 20,000 stations, collected and stored from sources such as the Automated Weather Network (AWN), the Global Telecommunications System (GTS), the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), and data keyed from paper forms. Most digital observations are decoded either at operational centers and forwarded to the Federal Climate Complex (FCC) in Asheville, NC, or decoded at the FCC. The US Air Force Combat Climatology Center (AFCCC), the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), and the US Navy's Fleet Numerical Meteorological and Oceanographical Command Detachment (FNMOD), make up the FCC in Asheville. Each agency is responsible for data ingest, quality control, and customer support for surface climatological data. All data are now stored in a single ASCII format. Numerous DOD and civilian customers use this database in climatological applications.

Dataset 3505a: Integrated Surface Hourly Data CD-ROM Set

Abstract: Integrated Surface Hourly Observations CD-ROM Set is a product offered by the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). The product is composed of worldwide surface weather observations from about 12,000 stations, collected for sources such as the Automated Weather Network (AWN), Global Telecommunications System (GTS), Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), and data keyed from paper forms. Data originated from various codes such as synoptic, airways, Meteorological Routine Weather Report (METAR), and Supplementary Marine Reporting Station (SMARS), and also includes observations from automatic weather stations. There are many possible parameters that stations may report, but the parameters actually reported by any one station depend on the type of station and its location and instrumentation. Some parameters are reported only by mountain stations, for example, or by ships at sea. Possible major parameters, summarized, are: winds and wind gusts; clouds, sky condition, and sky cover; visibility; air, dew point, and extreme temperatures; geopotential height, sea level and station pressure, altimeter setting, and pressure tendency; liquid precipitation; snow depth and water equivalent; snowfall; past and present weather and present weather in vicinity; runway visual range; clouds below station; sunshine; hail; ground surface type and temperature; sea surface temperature; waves and swell; platform icing; and past and present sea ice type, concentration, and bearing. The earliest data is from 1995. However, start date varies by station. This product is a 16-volume CD- ROM set. The volumes are: Volume 1: 1995-1999 Greenland, England, Northern Europe Volume 2: 1995-1999 Central Europe Volume 3: 1995-1999 Eastern and Southern Europe and the Mediterranean Volume 4: 1995-1999 Northeastern Europe and Asia Volume 5: 1995-1999 Ulan Bator (Mongolia), Middle East, and Southern Asia Volume 6: 1995-1999 Africa and Indian Ocean Volume 7: 1995-1999 Eastern United States of America (ME, NH, VT, CT, RI, NY, MA, PA, NJ, MD, DE, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, WV, OH, AL) Volume 8: 1995-1999 Central United States of America (MI, MS, TN, KY, IN, AR, TX, LA, MO, IL, IA, WI, MN, OK) Volume 9: 1995-1999 Western United States of America (CA, WA, OR, NV, MT, ID, AZ, NM, CO, WY, UT, KS, NE, SD, ND) Volume 10: 1995-1999 Alaska and Canada Volume 11: 1995-1999 Mexico, Caribbean, South America, and Antarctica Volume 12: 1995-1999 Australia, Indonesia, Pacific Ocean and Hawaii Volume 13: 2000 Greenland and Europe Volume 14: 2000 Asia and Middle East Volume 15: 2000 United States of America Volume 16: 2000 Canada, South and Central America, Oceania, and Antarctica These volumes may be bought separately. Also, all 1995-1999 data may be bought as a set, or all 2000 data may be bought as a set. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 3505a complete document

Dataset 3506: U.S. Daily Integrated Data

Abstract: This data set integrates daily data from a variety of sources using a step by step process. The process is intended ot be dynamic, flexible and open-ended so that data updates, chnages to the algorithms, inclusion of additional algorithms, elimination of algorithms, ordering of the linear process, and other similar maintenance efforts can be accomplished easily. Historical data for the U.S. through 2002 from nine separate data sets have been reformatted and merged into an integrated set. These nine separate sets are: 1. Summary of the Day from the Cooperative Observer Network (3200) 2. Preliminary Summary of the Day from the Cooperative Observer Network (3202) 3. Summary of the Day from the Cooperative Observer Network from the Midwest Climate Center (3205) 4. Summary of the Day from the Cooperative Observer network from the Data Rescue Project (3206) 5. Summary of the Day from the First Order Network (3210) 6. Summary of the Day from the from the ASOS Network (3211) 7. Summary of the Day from Air Force stations 8. Centennial Data Collection 9. SNOTEL data (6430) Get the documentation in 3506.doc or 3506.pdf

Dataset 3510: U.S. Historical Hourly Solar, Meteorological and Precipitation Data

Abstract: This historical dataset (DS-3510) was built by 'merging' the National Solar Radiation (DS-3282) database with Hourly Precipitation Data (DS-3240) for the same stations. The observations of hourly precipitation were taken by observers at principal (primary) stations, secondary stations and cooperative observer stations operated by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA). Approximately 240 stations have recorded precipitation data through the period of record. NCDC only has data from 1961 to 1990. There are 8,760 or 8,784 (for leap years) hourly data records in each station-year. Get the documentation in 3510.doc or 3510.pdf

Dataset 3515: U.S. GFDL Monthly Rawinsonde Station Stats

Abstract: This dataset was produced at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory/NOAA. It contains monthly sum statistics for most rawinsonde stations operational during the period May 1958 through December 1989. The bulk of the statistics are available twice a day for 00 and 12 GMT, whereas a small number of station statistics are also available for 06 and 18 GMT. Note that there is a 5-year gap for the 12 GMT data for the period May 1963-April 1968. Get the documentation in 3515.doc or 3515.pdf

Dataset 3715: Local Climatological Data

Abstract: The local climatological data annual file is produced from National Weather Service (NWS) first and second order stations. These data are contained in the LCD monthly and annual publications. The annual publications are offered on CD-ROMs beginning with year 2000. Please see the other C00128 record for information on these newer annuals. The monthly summaries include maximum, minimum, and average temperature, temperature departure from normal, dew point temperature, average station pressure, ceiling, visibility, weather type, wet bulb temperature, relative humidity, degree days (heating and cooling), daily precipitation, average wind speed, fastest wind speed/direction, sky cover, and occurrences of sunshine, snowfall and snow depth. Also included is a station location table showing in detail a history of, and relative information about, changes in the locations and exposure of instruments.

Dataset 3720: USSR Monthly Precipitation Data

Abstract: This is the latest version of the precipitation data set for the former USSR. The archive contains mean monthly precipitation data for the period 1891-1999 for 622 stations of the former Soviet Union and a set of metadata files that is essential for the use of these data in climate change studies. The archive includes observational data beginning 1891 for 152 stations in the European sector of the USSR and for only 53 stations in the Asian region, while by 1940 the number of stations increased to 276 and 302, respectively, and changed insignificantly after that until 1990. By 1970 the archive contained the data from 585 stations. As of 1990, only about 50 (of 622) stations and gauge posts included in the archive either ceased operations or, for several different reasons, it was decided that further use of the data from these stations was no longer adventageous.

Dataset 3721: U.S. Gridded Precipitation and Snowfall Time Series Data

Abstract: Gridded (with a 0.5 latitudinal and longitudinal resolution) daily precipitation and snowfall time series were compiled for the contiguous United States for the 1948-1999 period. The precipitation time series are serially complete and cover more than 96 percent of the land area of the lower 48 states and 100 percent of the country east of 105 W longitude. The snowfall time series cover about 95 percent of the land area of the lower 48 states. The nature of the data set is that for each cell the time series preserve the point precipitation (snowfall) distribution most typical for the cell and spatial correlation structure of the precipitation and snowfall fields. Extensive additional information about the origin and the time of the observation of each precipitation/snowfall datum is included in the data set. The data set was developed to meet the specific needs of those users whose studies require serially complete gridded fields of daily meteorological variables that preserve (resemble) as close as possible statistical structure of the station-based point fields (distribution and spatial correlation).

Dataset 3810: TOGA COARE Intense Observing Period

Abstract: This dataset is a compilation of all the surface observations from various observation platforms during the Intense Observing Period (IOP) of the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE). This experiment was designed to investigate the structure of the coupled system of the warm pool of the western Pacific and the atmosphere, to improve the ability to model this coupled system. Measured variables include air temperature, sea temperature, wet-bulb temperature, dew point temperature, wind direction, wind speed, relative humidity, specific humidity and precipitation.

Dataset 3901: NOAA Surface and Upper Air Weather Charts

Abstract: The National Climatic Data Center's three-disc set of NOAA weather charts contains the charts most commonly used by researchers and the general public. This set is the first National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) CD-ROM product available on a monthly subscription basis and will serve as a continuation of the microfilm archive. In addition to providing a quick historical reference about weather conditions on selected dates, weather charts can be used to quickly geographically locate and date a series of similar weather phenomena and events. Using such charts saves researchers tremendous amounts of time in studying and isolating the dates of weather phenomena. Because of these uses, the NCDC has long maintained an archive of the weather charts and analyses produced by the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), formerly the National Meteorological Center (NMC). Get the documentation in 3901.doc or 3901.pdf

Dataset 3909: U.S. Local Climatological Data

Abstract: Local climatological Data (LCD) publications summarize temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, wind speed and direction observations for several hundred cities in the U.S. and its territories. Most monthly publications also contain the 3 hourly weather observations for that month and an hourly summary of precipitation. Annual LCD publications contain a summary of the past calendar year as well as historical averages and extremes. Get the documentation in 3909.doc or 3909.pdf

Dataset 3910: U.S. Storm Data

Abstract: The Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena data set contains a chronological listing, by state, of hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, hail, floods, drought conditions, lightning, high winds, snow, temperature extremes and other weather phenomena. The reports are provided by the National Weather Service and contain statistics on personal injuries and damage estimates. STORM DATA is a publication of the National Climatic Data Center. This Data has been compiled from the Storm Data Database in Paradox format. This Database is maintained by National Weather Service's Office of Meteorology.

Dataset 5907: U.S. STORM Hourly Surface Wind Profiler Network Data

Abstract: This data set is from the Wind Profiler Network (WPN), part of the National Storm Operational Research Project (STORM). This project is being carried out by the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) Asheville, North Carolina, and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Forecast Systems Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado. The network consists of ground stations located in the eastern 2/3 of the United States measuring surface temperature, dew point temperature, pressure, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and total precipitation at hourly intervals. This surface data are averaged over the previous hour at each wind profiler site. The data processing level is II a and the spatial resolution is 300 km.

Dataset 6104: NMC Global GTS - Surface Land

Abstract: NMC GTS Surface Meteorological Observations - Land is digital data set DS-6104, archived at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). Data was provided from the Global Telecommunications System (GTS) by NMC, which was the old National Meteorological Center of the U. S. NOAA National Weather Service. NMC is now the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). This data is a collection of observations used to initialize the NMC Global Forecast Model. NMC sent the raw data to NCDC, where it was held in temporary data sets DS-9610 and DS-9611. The raw data were split into separate files by data type: DS-6103 Temp and Temp Ship, DS-6104 Synop (Synoptic Hours 00, 06, 12, 18 UTC) (Intermediate Hours 03, 09, 15, 21 UTC), DS-6105 Ship, DS-6106 AIREP, DS-6107 SIRS and SATWIND, DS-6108 BOGUS. Decoding information for these files is provided elsewhere in this documentation. More information about these file formats and codes can be found in NMC Office Note 29/124 and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Publication No. 306 Manual on Codes - International Codes. These data were subject to various degrees of automated quality control by NMC. NCDC reformats the data without changing any values. Therefore the users must be prepared to perform their own quality checks.

Dataset 6110: NCEP Charts

Abstract: The National Climatic Data Center archives weather charts that are produced by the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). The charts are the most commonly used by the climate community because they provide a quick historical reference concerning weather conditions on selected dates. They can also be used to geographically locate and date a series of weather phenomena and events. These charts consist of analyses and forecasts of all mandatory levels of the atmosphere. Get the documentation in 6110.doc or 6110.pdf

Dataset 6116: GTS NCEP PREPBUFR Data

Abstract: These files come from National Weather Service's National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) FNL (final) model runs for 00z, 06z, 12z, and 18z, via the WMO's Global Telecommunications System (GTS), and contain all of the quality-controlled data that is input to the analysis for the model run in question. All data types used by the model are present, including ADPUPA (upper air), SFCSHP (marine surface), AIRCAR (ACARS), ADPSFC (land surface), etc. The file is produced by first, at a designated data cutoff time, dumping all of the available decoded BUFR data that is valid within the appropriate time window for each of the required types into a separate file for each type. During this dump step, the data for each type are duplicate checked and any "keep" or "delete" flags entered by the NCEP SDM are applied. The dumped data for all of the types are then combined into one file and then together undergo all the NCEP automated quality-control processing programs such as RADCOR, CQCHT, VIRTMP, OIQC, etc. You can thus view the QC history of each piece of data by unpacking the appropriate QM quality marks, PC program codes, and RC reason codes. This file is ready to be input to the modeling codes that generate the NCEP analyses and forecasts.

Dataset 6117: USCRN Raw Data

Abstract: The U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN) is a network of climate stations now being deployed as part of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) initiative. Its primary goal is to provide future long-term homogeneous observations of temperature and precipitation that can be coupled to long-term historical observations for the detection and attribution of present and future climate change. Data from the USCRN will be used in operational climate monitoring activities and for placing current climate anomalies into an historical perspective. This document is limited to describing specific data management processes involved in data ingest, data processing, data quality control and data archive. It also provides information on how to read the raw, unprocessed USCRN data. Get the documentation in 6117.doc or 6117.pdf

Dataset 6120: NMC/CAC Medium Range Forecast

Abstract: A routine archiving of NMC's daily 10-day forecasts in truncated (R12) spectral coefficient form was in effect beginning November 30, 1981 at 00Z. This historical dataset has not been active since 1988. A user friendly version of this data set is still available from the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). Get the documentation in 6120.doc or 6120.pdf

Dataset 6125: NMC DERF II Data

Abstract: This data set is a reduced version of the NMC (National Meteorological Center) DERF II data set, an efficient, one-level, primitive-equation spectral model and NMC's 1988 Research version of the NMC medium range forecast model. DERF II is the second phase of the Dynamical Extended Range Forecast (DERF) data produced by the National Meteorological Center/Climate Analysis Center (now the National Center for Environmental Prediction, USA/NCEP) and the University of Maryland's Center of Ocean, Land, and Atmosphere (COLA) in response to the recommendation of the Experimental Climate Forecast Center (ECFC) at Goddard Space Flight Center. The data set described in this document is a reduced version of DERF II and consists of 108 thirty-day forecasts starting at 00Z each day beginning 12/14/86 using the research version of the operational forecast model (WMC, 1988). If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 6125 complete document

Dataset 6140: Nested Grid Model (NGM) and Medium Range Forecast (MRF) Archive

Abstract: The National Weather Service's National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) runs a series of operational computer analyses and forecasts. One of the primary operational systems is the Global Data Assimilation System, which uses the spectral Medium Range Forecast model (MRF) for the forecast. Another primary system is the Regional Analysis and Forecast System (RAFS), which uses the Nested Grid Model (NGM) for the forecast. Output from the RAFS covers North America. In simple terms, for each run, observations are assimilated with "first guess" data fields (forecasts from the previous model run), and dynamic imbalances in the data are reduced, resulting in "analyzed" data fields. Then the forecast is made. The analyzed data should provide a better representation of the real atmosphere than observations alone because of limitations in the observations. Some of these limitations are due to measurement error or other instrument problems, and nonuniform spatial and temporal distributions of the observations. The data are on hemispheric 129 by 129 polar stereographic grids. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 6140 complete document

Dataset 6141a: Eta Data Assimilation System (EDAS) Archive Information

Abstract: The National Weather Service's National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) runs a series of operational computer analyses and forecasts. One of the operational systems is the Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS, Kanamitsu, 1989), which uses the spectral Medium Range Forecast model (MRF) for the forecast. Another system is the Eta Data Assimilation System (EDAS), covering the U.S. At NOAA's Air Resources Laboratory (ARL), NCEP model output are used for air quality transport and dispersion modeling. ARL archives both EDAS and GDAS data using a 1-byte packing method. Both archives contain basic fields such as the u- and v-wind components, temperature, and humidity. The archive data file contains the data in synoptic time sequence, without any missing records (missing data is represented by nulls and the forecast hour is set to negative 1). Therefore it is possible to position randomly to any point within a data file. Each file contains data for approximately two weeks: days one through 15, and 16 through the end of the month. At each time period, an index record is always the first record, followed by surface data, and then all data in each pressure level from the ground up.

Dataset 6141b: NCEP Model Output

Abstract: The National Weather Service's National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) runs a series of computer analyses and forecasts operationally. One of the operational systems is the Global Data Assimilation System which uses the spectral Medium Range Forecast model (MRF) for the forecast. Another system is the EDAS (Eta Data Assimilation System), covering the U.S. At NOAA's Air Resources Laboratory (ARL), NCEP model output are used for air quality transport and dispersion modeling. ARL archives both EDAS and GDAS data using a 1-byte packing method. Both archives contain basic fields such as the u- and v-wind components, temperature, and humidity. However, the archives differ from each other because of the horizontal and vertical resolution, as well as in the specific fields, provided by NCEP. The ARL archiving program converts data from the 1 degree latitude-longitude grid to hemispheric 129 by 129 polar stereographic grids. Model output from both the analysis and 6-h forecast are written to the archive file, so as to include the fields only available in the forecast period, and to enable the short-term forecast data to "fill-in" for a missing period if model output from any single NCEP run is not available. These archived data are referred to as the "FNL archive."

Dataset 6143: PRISM High Resolution Model Analysis

Abstract: This data set consists of monthly and annual precipitation and temperature files for a high resolution spatial grid. Each file represents 1 month of 1 year for the period 18950101-19971231 (103 years). Distribution of the point measurements to a spatial grid was accomplished using the PRISM model, developed by Chris Daly of the Spatial Climate Analysis Service/Oregon State University. Care should be taken in estimating data values at any single point on the map. Precipitation and temperatures estimated for each grid cell are an average over the entire area of that cell; thus, point values can be estimated at a spatial precision no better than half the resolution of a cell. For example, data were distributed at a resolution of approximately 4km. Therefore, point precipitation can be estimated at a spatial precision no better than 2km. However, the overall distribution of precipitation and temperature features is thought to be accurate.

Dataset 6147: TOGA COARE Data

Abstract: The Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE) was a large international field experiment conducted in 1992-1993 to study the atmospheric and oceanic processes over the region of the western Pacific known as the "warm pool". This is the region of warm ocean and atmospheric clouds and precipitation that is linked to the El Nino climate variation. Data and data products generally covered the period July 1992 to June 1993 with an intensive observing period 1 November 1992 to 28 February 1993.

Dataset 6150: Climate Analysis Center's Sea Surface Temperature Analysis

Abstract: The Climate Analysis Center's Sea Surface Temperature Data Set, referred to as "CAC SSTs", contains in situ SSTs, blended SSTs (in situ SSTs blended with AVHRR derived SSTs), blended anomalies, COADS/Ice SST Climatology, and Land/Sea Mask. The blended anomalies are produced by GSFC DAAC from the SST Climatology data provided by the Climate Analysis Center (renamed CPC - Climate Prediction Center). The in situ analyses cover 40 degrees south to 60 degrees north. All other gridded analyses are global. The values for Land/Sea Mask are available on a 0.5 X 0.5 degree latitude/longitude grid; all other gridded values are available on a 2 X 2 degree latitude/longitude grid. The in situ analyses grids are available from January, 1970, to December, 1981, inclusive. The blended analyses grids, derived from in situ SSTs and AVHRR derived SSTs, are available from January, 1982, to present. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 6150 complete document

Dataset 6160-6165: Reanalysis Data Sets

Abstract: Until recently, the meteorological community has had to use analyses that supported the real-time weather forecasting. These analyses are very inhomogeneous in time as there have been big improvements in the data assimilation systems. This played havoc with climate monitoring as these improvements were often produced changes in the apparent "climate". Even fundamental quantities such as the strength of the Hadley cell have changed over the years as a result of the changes in the data assimilation systems. The NCEP/NCAR 40-year reanalysis uses a frozen state-of-the-art global data assimilation system, and a database as complete as possible. The data assimilation and the model used are identical to the global system implemented operationally at NCEP on 11 January 1995, except that the horizontal resolution is T62 (about 210 km). The database has been enhanced with many sources of observations not available in real time for operations, provided by different countries and organizations. The system has been designed with advanced quality control and monitoring components, and can produce one month of reanalysis per day on a CRAY YMP/8 supercomputer.

Dataset 6172: NOMADS

Abstract: NOMADS - NOAA Operational Modeling Archive Distributed System - The National Weather Service's National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) runs a series of computer analyses and forecasts operationally. One of the primary operational systems is the Global Data Assimilation System, which uses the spectral Medium Range Forecast model (MRF) for the forecast. In simple terms, for each run, unequally spaced conventional and remote sensed observations are assimilated with "first guess" data fields (forecasts from the previous model run), and dynamic imbalances in the data are reduced, resulting in "analyzed" data fields. Then the forecast is made. The analyzed data provides an optimal representation of the real atmosphere on a grid or spectral coefficients of spherical harmonics. These can be compared to observations that have limitations due to measurement error or other instrument problems, and non-uniform spatial and temporal distributions of the observations. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 6172 complete document

Dataset 6175: NOMADS/NARR Merge Dataset

Abstract: These files are from the North America Regional Reanalysis(NARR) Project and contain the analyses and selected quantities from the 0 to 3 hours forecast. The NARR is a reanalysis of historical observations using a 32 km version of the NCEP 1993 operational ETA model and ETA data assimilation system (EDAS). The domain of analyses includes North and Central America as well as small parts of the UK, Eastern Asia and South America and the adjacent oceans. The period of the reanalysis is from October 1978 to the present and analyses were made 8 times daily. Horizontal boundary conditions were derived from the NCEP/DOE Reanalysis. The "merged" dataset provides a high spatial (32 km) and temporal (3 hour) analyses of North America and adjacent oceans and land masses from October 1978 to the present. Advantages over the widely used NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis are its higher resolution and a much better treatment of the land surface through a better land-surface model (NOAH), through the assimilation of more surface data (observed precipitation and surface winds) and through a better representation of the terrain (heights, vegetation, soil type). This data set contains "conventional" atmospheric analyses as well as model-derived fields which contain estimates of subsurface, surface, and radiative properties. Get the documentation in 6175 Word or 6175 PDF

Dataset 6401a: U.S. ASOS Surface 5-Min Data, Pre-1998

Abstract: A major part of the NWS modernization effort in the 1990's was the implementation of the Automated Surface Observations System (ASOS). Data are collected and transmitted automatically. Several sites were not manned. As new sensors are developed to observe additional weather elements (currently not measurable by automatic sensors) they will be implemented. Some of the elements not currently measured include tornados, thunderstorms, hail, drizzle, blowing obstructions to vision, sunshine, snowfall, snow depth and clouds above 12,000 feet.

Dataset 6401b: U.S. ASOS Surface 5-Min Data, Post-1998

Abstract: A major part of the NWS modernization effort in the 1990's was the implementation of the Automated Surface Observations System (ASOS). Data are collected and transmitted automatically. Several sites are not be manned. As new sensors are developed to observe additional weather elements (currently not measurable by automatic sensors) they will be implemented. Some of the elements not currently measured include tornados, thunderstorms, hail, drizzle, blowing obstructions to vision, sunshine, snowfall, snow depth and clouds above 12,000 feet.

Dataset 6402: U.S. ASOS Surface System Log

Abstract: System Log Error Messages are generated by the ASOS when an error is detected by the continuous system self-test. When a faulty Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) is identified, the corrective action taken is to replace the unit. Messages not associated with the FRU's are for general information use only and require no corrective action. Error codes are assigned sequentially, unless otherwise specified. Additional infomation can be found in the ASOS Software User's Manual. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 6402 complete document

Dataset 6403: U.S. Weather Duration Data

Abstract: The Weather Duration data set contains a record of all weather events, for the reporting site. These reporting sites include all ASOS sites across the US. The beginning and ending time of the weather event is also reported. Weather duration data are derived from DSI-6401 (Five-Minute Data). Currently, there are approximately 400 sites where five-minute data is ingested. Weather duration data are used as input to create a climatological product known as the Monthly Airways Extract (MAE) for those sites. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 6403 complete document

Dataset 6405: U.S. ASOS Surface 1-Min Page 1 Data

Abstract: A major part of the NWS modernization effort in the 1990's was the implementation of the Automated Surface Observations System (ASOS). Data are collected and transmitted automatically. Several sites are not manned. As new sensors are developed to observe additional weather elements (currently not measurable by automatic sensors) they will be implemented. Some of the elements not currently measured include tornados, thunderstorms, hail, drizzle, blowing obstructions to vision, sunshine, snowfall, snow depth and clouds above 12,000 feet. One-minute data are automatically collected and stored on station for 12 hours. The network consists of NWS and FAA ASOS sites, which are expected to number approximately 1200 when fully commissioned. The number of stations that will ultimately participate in providing one-minute data has not been determined. Page 1 data contains primarily wind data.

Dataset 6406: U.S. ASOS Surface 1-Min Page 2 Data

Abstract: A major part of the NWS modernization effort in the 1990's was the implementation of the Automated Surface Observations System (ASOS). Data are collected and transmitted automatically. Several sites are not manned. As new sensors are developed to observe additional weather elements (currently not measurable by automatic sensors) they will be implemented. Some of the elements not currently measured include tornados, thunderstorms, hail, drizzle, blowing obstructions to vision, sunshine, snowfall, snow depth and clouds above 12,000 feet. One-minute data are automatically collected and stored on station for 12 hours. The network consists of NWS and FAA ASOS sites, which are expected to number approximately 1200 when fully commissioned. The number of stations that will ultimately participate in providing one-minute data has not been determined. Page 2 data consists of: Temperature, Dewpoint, Precipitation, and 3 different pressure measurements. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 6406 complete document

Dataset 6407: Global Surface METAR Monthly Airways Extract

Abstract: This data set contains METAR hourly surface weather observations that are measured primarily at major airports. Observations are made by automated equipment and may be augmented by a human observer. The stations are usually fully instrumented and therefore record a complete range of meteorological parameters. The parameters usually include a report of wind, runway visibility, present weather, sky condition, temperature and dew point. NCDC began collecting these data in 1996.

Dataset 6410: U.S. River Forecast Center Network Monthly Precipitation

Abstract: These daily precipitation reports are collected by the 13 River Forecast Center's and sent to the National Center for Environmental Predictions (NCEP) Climate Prediction Center (CPC) via the Automated Forecast and Observation System (AFOS) in a SHEF-encoded message. These sites are predominately NWS cooperative stations. Other sites belong to networks that do not fall within the standard cooperative network grouping. Daily precipitation reports are extracted from approximately 5,500 reports per day out of a total available set of 9,000 records. Hourly precipitation is received from approximately 2,800 automatic sites every three hours from the Office of Hydrology's HADS system. About 5-6% of the data received represents an overlap with the NCDC hourly network of paper-tape recorded precipitation. This dataset contains monthly precipitation values on a per station basis for an average 5,500 sites. The CPC creates a file from this data that summarizes precipitation on a divisional basis. The CPC then passes this compiled divisional precipitation file to the NCDC for use in the Climate Variations Bulletin. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 6410 complete document

Dataset 6411: Soil Moisture for Western Russia and the Ukraine

Abstract: This archive is comprised of soil moisture data and the accompanying information for the agricultural regions of Western Russia (west of ~ 60E) and The Ukraine for the period from 1992 to 1996. These data are collected routinely for agro-meteorological monitoring of these two countries and serve as an input for the in-situ assessment of the state of the major crops. Plant available soil moisture in the upper first meter (for several layers) is a key element of this monitoring and is collected in near-real time with a 10-day time step. This information cannot be assessed properly without extensive metadata that characterize the soil type and agro physical properties of the upper first meter of the soil at each field. These metadata are defined once per 10-15 years, are rarely reassessed and thus named soil constants. Soil moisture measurements are made during the warm period of the year. In the cold season, an essential part of the agro-meteorological monitoring is the information about snow depth at the agricultural fields. This information (only for Russia) is also included in this archive.

Dataset 6421: U.S Enhanced Hourly Wind Station Data

Abstract: During the NOAA OGP-funded project "Homogeneous blended wind data over the contiguous United States" the NCDC compiled an hourly wind data set from 1655 stations over the lower 48 states generally for the period of record 1948 to 2000, collected and digitized the station metadata related to the history of the anemometer elevation at most of these stations, and blended the station records with historical snow on the ground information. All this has allowed us to generate homogeneous time series of wind speed at the 10-meter height above the ground/surface for the entire period of digital record (usually, since 1948 for the First Order Stations, since early 1970s for other sites with complete metadata, and since the ASOS implementation at the sites without metadata). If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 6421 complete document

Dataset 6430: USDA/NRCS SNOTEL - Daily Data, Text Reports

Abstract: The SNOTEL data collection network, operated by the National Water and Climate Center (NWCC), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), of the US Department of Agriculture (NWCC/NRCS/USDA) since the mid-1970's, was established to support water supply assessment and forecast responsibilities of the NRCS. Approximately 75% of the water needs of the Western USA are supplied from the annual melt water of mountain snow packs. Monitoring the accumulation and depletion of the snow pack in this region is critical for stream flow and reservoir management and for all users of the region's water supply. The growing SNOTEL (SNOwpack TELemetry) data collection is also becoming more valuable for the study of climate and climate change, providing daily data from previously unavailable remote alpine regions. The SNOTEL network currently consists of some 640 sites located in 13 Western US states (including Alaska) that are equipped with automated instruments that measure snow-water equivalent, surface temperatures and precipitation. Data are collected continuously at a normal interval every 15 minutes, and transmitted by microburst technology 1 to 4 times per day to master receiving stations and then on to the NWCC data processing office in Portland, Oregon. Data in this data set are a once-daily resolution from the midnight observation that has received some quality control from NRCS Data Collection Offices.

Dataset 6431: NOAAPort NWSTG Text Products

Abstract: The NOAAPort broadcast system provides a one way-broadcast communication of NOAA environmental data and information in near-real time to NOAA and external users. This broadcast service is implemented by a commercial provider of satellite communications utilizing C-band. Weather data is collected by GOES satellite environmental sensors and NWS observing systems, and processed to create products. The products are fed to the AWIPS Network Control Facility (NCF) which routes the products to the appropriate NOAAPort channel for uplink and broadcast. The NOAAPort data and products are formatted for transmission by the NWS and are currently provided by four data streams, however NCDC only archives the text products within the NCEP/NWSTG Channel. NCDC archives this channel in two files. This documentation discusses the Text Files. These include everything BUT the Hi-res data stream model data and the NEXRAD Data (NIDS). The model data documentation is the other file that NCDC archives and it can be found in NOAAPort NWSTG DS-6435 (C00611). GOES East Channel - From the GOES East satellite, a data stream consisting of the following imagery products: visible, infrared, and water vapor for the Eastern Conterminous United States (CONUS), Puerto Rico, supernational composites, and Northern Hemisphere (NH) composites. GOES West Channel - From the GOES West satellite, a data stream consisting of the following imagery products: visible, infrared, water vapor for CONUS, Alaska, and Hawaii; supernational composites, and NH composites. NCEP/NWSTG Channel - From the NWS Telecommunications Gateway (NWSTG) this data stream consists of a variety of text and binary data including the entire Family of Services: Domestic Data - observations, text model output, Public Products - advisories, watches, warnings and forecasts International Data - non US data sources, mostly observational data A superset of the Hi-Res data streams - GRIB/BUFR data from all the major NWS models (NGM, AVN, MRF, Early Eta, MesoEta, and RUC) as well as model data from ECMWF and UKMET. NIDS - It includes a substantial subset of the Nexrad Radar data stream NLDN - lightning data and Graphical products (Redbook and GIF formats). Non-GOES Imagery/DCP Data Channel - This channel's data stream includes GOES DCP data, GMS/GOES-West/GOES-East/METEOSAT-5/METOSAT-7 composites for visible, IR, and water vapor products (every 3 hours), OCONUS grids, and reserve capacity for selected other satellite imagery to be acquired by NESDIS for future field applications. The products available are determined by current weather patterns. More than 6,400 individual products per day are transmitted.

Dataset 6435: NOAAPort NWSTG Gridded Models

Abstract: NOAA is the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, of which the National Weather Service (NWS) is a part. NWSTG is the National Weather Service Telecommunications Gateway. The NOAAPort broadcast system provides a one way-broadcast communication of NOAA environmental data and information in near-real time to NOAA and external users. This broadcast service is implemented by a commercial provider of satellite communications utilizing C-band. Weather data is collected by Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) satellite environmental sensors and NWS observing systems, and processed to create products. The products are fed to the dvanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) Network Control Facility (NCF) which routes the products to the appropriate NOAAPort channel for uplink and broadcast.The NOAAPort data and products are formatted for transmission by the NWS and are currently provided by four data streams, however NCDC only archives the text products within the NCEP/NWSTG Channel. NCDC archives this channel in twofiles. This documentation discusses the Gridded Models. These include all the major models offered from the NWS as well as the European Models. The Text Products file is the other part of this series that NCDC archives and it can be found in NOAAPort NWSTG DS-6431 (C00610). As of 20050712, this dataset is no longer active. DS-6435 has been discontinued in favor of higher resolution prodicts archived for the NOMADS project. The only active NOAAPort data is now NOAAPort NWSTG.

Dataset 6438: U.S. Air Quality Forecast Guidance

Abstract: These files are forecast guidance of one-hour and eight-hour averaged ground-level (surface) ozone concentration. The guidance will be produced twice-a-day,for hourly intervals through midnight on the following day (48 model hours), seven days a week, beginning in the summer 2004, initially for the northeastern US, then gradually to include the entire US by 2009. The data will be provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service (NOAA/NWS) in Silver Spring, Maryland. These data provide ground-level ozone forecast guidance for state and local air quality forecasters, and help the public limit adverse effects from poor air quality. This forecast guidance will help meet a Congressionally mandated national air quality forecast capability. Get the documentation in 6438 Word or 6438 PDF

Dataset 6450: CODIAC Data Sets

Abstract: The Cooperative Distributed Interactive Atmospheric Catalog System (CODIAC) was developed jointly by the Office of Field Project Support of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), the US Weather Research Program Office (USWRP), the Forecast Systems Laboratory (FSL), and the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). Its goal is to provide researchers with easy access to a distributed meteorological database held at different data centers. Within the DSI-6450 dataset is The Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) Continental-Scale International Project (GCIP), fully implemented in 1995 and phased out in 2001, was launched in the Mississippi River basin to take advantage of the extensive existing meteorological and hydrological networks. Other datasets included represent various other studies that took place within the United States and the World. Get the documentation in 6450 Word or 6450 PDF

Dataset 6500: NEXRAD Level II High Resolution Base Data

Abstract: Weather Surveillance Radar - 1988 Doppler (WSR-88D), or NEXt Generation RADar (NEXRAD), Level II data are the base digital data produced by the signal processor (mean radial velocity, reflectivity, and spectrum width) at the full spatial and temporal resolution of the radar. Level II data also contain status messages, performance/maintenance data, volume scan strategy, clutter filter bypass map, and wideband communication console messages. These are the same data transmitted over high-speed, wideband communications to the WSR-88D Radar Product Generator (RPG) for processing by the meteorological analysis algorithms.

Dataset 6900: U.S. Historical Climatological Network - Daily Temperature, Precipitation, Snow Depth, Sunshine and Cloud Data

Abstract: This document describes a database containing daily observations of maximum and minimum temperature, precipitation amount, snowfall amount, and snow depth from 1062 observing stations across the contiguous United States. This database is as expansion and update of the original 138-station database previously released by the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC). These 1062 stations are a subset of the 1221-station U.S. Historical Climatology Network (HCN). Data from 1050 of these daily records extend into the 1990's, while 990 of these extend through 1997. Most station records are essentially complete for at least 40 years with the latest beginning year of record being 1948. Records from 158 stations begin prior to 1900, with that of Charleston, South Carolina beginning the earliest in 1871. This data set also includes United States monthly and annual historical time series of sunshine duration (observed hours of sunshine, maximum possible hours of sunshine, and percentage of possible sunshine) and mean sunrise to sunset and fractional cloud amount. A total of 240 sunshine time series with a period of record of 1871-1987 and 197 cloud amount time series with a period of record of 1971-1987 have been assembled. These data sets contain the most complete and highest quality cloud and sunshine time series available to the research community and should prove invaluable in the assessment of climate change in the United States over the last century. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 6900 complete document

Dataset 7000: NEXRAD Level III Products

Abstract: Weather Surveillance Radar - 1988 Doppler (WSR-88D), or NEXt Generation RADar (NEXRAD), Level III data are the radar product data generated from the Level II base data to assist forecasters in weather analysis, predictions and warnings. The Level III data have been recorded on WORM Optical Disks at National Weather Service sites since the early 1990s. Since the year 2000, the data have been provided by an NWS Central Collection Facility as digital files with each file containing an individual product. The data on optical disk are being copied to a digital mass-storage system at NCDC.

Dataset 7000a: NEXRAD National Mosaic Reflectivity

Abstract: NEXRAD National Mosaic Reflectivity Images is a service available at the web site of the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). The outside user can put in a day of interest as early as January 1, 1995 or as recently as a few days ago and bring up a page listing hourly images for that day. A composite weather radar image from anywhere in the contiguous U.S. can be viewed. Images can be zoomed by clicking on a point on the image by up to 5 times. In addition, the NEXRAD National Mosaic Reflectivity images can be put into motion or animated. NEXRAD National Mosaic Reflectivity images are automatically ingested by NCDC and are provided to us by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).

Dataset 9100: Global Historical Climatology Network

Abstract: The Global Historical Climatology Network Version 2 temperature database was released in May 1997. This century-scale data set consists of monthly surface observations from ~7,000 stations from around the world. This archive breaks considerable new ground in the field of global climate databases. The enhancements include: (1) data for additional stations to improve regional-scale analyses, particularly in previously data-sparse areas; (2) the addition of maximum/minimum temperature data, to provide climate information not available in mean temperature data alone; (3) detailed assessments of data quality to increase the confidence in research results; (4) rigorous and objective homogeneity adjustments to decrease the effect of non-climatic factors on the time series; (5) detailed metadata (e.g., population, vegetation, topography) that allows more detailed analyses to be conducted; and (6) an infrastructure for updating the archive at regular intervals, so that current climatic conditions can constantly be put into historical perspective.

Dataset 9101: Global Daily Climatology Network

Abstract: The Global Daily Climatology Network (GDCN) represents a compilation of global daily timescale data into a single and consistent format. The data set serves the needs of researchers, weather-sensitive businesses, agriculture, and policy makers whose are dependent upon complete and accurate analysis of daily temperature and precipitation. Data within the GDCN have been extensively checked through a series of quality control procedures to ensure erroneous values have been removed and/or identified. The GDCN currently has over 800 million days of weather data and that number is expected to increase as the GDCN expands in the future. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9101 complete document

Dataset 9290a: Global Synoptic Climatology Network - Canada

Abstract: These files are a compilation of in situ hourly meteorological observations for Canada initially obtained within the framework of joint efforts to create Global Synoptic Climatology Network among the Meteorological Service of Canada (Downsview, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia), Research Institute for Hydrometeorological Information, of the Russian State Committee for Hydrometeorology, Obninsk, Russian Federation, and NOAA National Climatic Data Center. The data were then pre-processed according to a standard quality control routine and generation of derived variables (e.g., some humidity characteristics were derived from others). Currently, there are approximately 170 active stations, which can be operationally updated from the entire list of 768 locations, and another 350 stations are updatable with a delay. The maximum period of the data span is from January 1, 1953 to February 21, 2005. Variables in the data set include sea level and station pressure, surface air temperature, water vapor pressure, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, several characteristics of cloudiness, and present weather.

Dataset 9290c: Global Synoptic Climatology Network - USSR

Abstract: These files are a compilation of in situ hourly meteorological observations for the former USSR initially obtained within the framework of joint efforts to create Global Synoptic Climatology Network among the Meteorological Service of Canada (Downsview, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia), All-Russian Research Institute for Hydrometeorological Information-World Data Center of the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, Obninsk, Russian Federation, and NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Asheville, North Carolina. The data in this archive have been compiled from several sources that include information delivered via the Global Telecommunication System, international exchange, and random data acquisitions. This information was verified versus the original data holdings at the national hydrometeorological archive of the Russian Federation and appended when it was necessary. These data were then pre-processed according to a standard quality control routine and generation of derived variables (e.g., some humidity characteristics were derived from others). Currently, there are mostly data for Russia but prior to 1991 the entire former USSR was covered by 2095 stations (Figure 1). The maximum period of the data span is from January 1, 1871 to January 1, 2001. Variables in the data set include sea level and station pressure, surface air temperature, water vapor pressure,relative humidity, wind speed and direction, several characteristics of cloudiness, and present weather.

Dataset 9507: Department of Energy Storm Occurrences

Abstract: The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has archived a historical digital database that contains information on synoptic storms and other climatological factors that affect coastlines and may be used by a vector-based ARC/INFO geographic information system (GIS), a raster GIS, or a non-GIS database. The data were extracted, compiled, or derived from publications and records obtained from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Navy, foreign government agencies, universities, and other miscellaneous data sources. The dataset consists of the following data groups: annual probabilities of occurrence of tropical storms and hurricanes for coastal areas of the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda by 1 X 1 degree cells; annual probabilities of occurrence of tropical storms, hurricanes, super typhoons (winds 67 meters/second or greater), and mean forward velocities of tropical cyclones (without regard to tropical cyclone intensity) for the world by 5 X 5 degree cells; number of hurricane strikes for the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts by state and Saffir-Simpson hurricane category; mean monthly and annual number of extratropical cyclogenesis and cyclone occurrences for the Northern Hemisphere by 5 X 5 degree cells; mean and/or relative number of cyclones (without regard to cyclone type) for January, July, and the year for the world by 5 X 5 degree cells; mean number of hours of cyclone occurrence (without regard to cyclone type) for January, July, and the year for the Southern Hemisphere by 5 X 5 degree cells; mean number of polar lows (polar air cloud vortices) per winter month for the North Pacific Ocean and Southern Hemisphere by 5 X 5 degree cells; derived index of the influence of winds on coastlines in the African, Asian, and Australian monsoon regions by 1 X 1 degree cells; and mean annual sea-ice concentrations for Alaskan and U.S. coastal areas by 1 X 1 degree cells. Get the documentation in 9507 Word or 9507 PDF

Dataset 9515: Western Hemisphere Ozone Data

Abstract: The ozone data set is composed of high resolution 0.5 minute interval measurements for the period January-August 1963. The data was collected by rocketsonde measurements from stations scattered over the Western Hemisphere. The stations include: Fairbanks AK, Panama Canal Zone, Thule Greenland, Fort Churchill NV, Goose Bay Newfoundland, Tallahassee FL, Seattle WA, Madison WI, Fort Collins CO, Albuquerque NM, and Bedford MA. The data were collected by the USA NOAA Air Resources Laboratories, Geophysical Monitoring for Climatic Change Program, and published in Canada on behalf of the World Meteorological Organization.

Dataset 9603: National Lightning Detection Network

Abstract: These lightning data are incidents of lightning strokes that have been detected by the U.S. National Lightning Data Network (NLDN) sensors and by lightning detectors outside the Continental U.S. These data are retrieved from NOAAPORT and are encoded in binary. U.S. data are identified by their message ID SFUS41 and non-U.S. data by their message ID SFPA41. Decoder software developed at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) converts the binary format to a formatted ASCII record. Get the documentation in 9603 Word or 9603 PDF

Dataset 9617: U.S. Lightning Data

Abstract: The Lightning Archive contains a chronological listing, by state, of lightning statistics. The reports are provided by the National Weather Service and contain statistics on locations, fatalities, injuries, gender and damage estimates. The Lightning Archive is a product of the National Climatic Data Center. The data have been compiled from the Storm Data publication since 1959.

Dataset 9618a: Global Summary of the Day, 1977-1986

Abstract: This dataset contains three files of summarized data which have been extracted from surface synoptic weather observations, exchanged on the Global Telecommunications Systems (GTS). The National Meteorological Center (NMC) of NOAA contains an archive file of the complete surface synoptic reports which are received from the GTS. The Climatic Analysis Center (CAC) extracts portions of these NMC archive files, performs an automated decode of extreme temperatures and accumulated precipitation according to WMO code manuals, and performs limited automated validation of the parameters. The data for all reporting stations are summarized on a daily basis to satisfy current operational requirements related to the assessment of crop and energy production.

Dataset 9618b: Global Summary of the Day, 1987-Present

Abstract: Four files are included in this product. These files contain summarized data which have been extracted from surface synoptic weather observations, exchanged on the Global Telecommunications Systems (GTS). The National Meteorological Center (NMC) of NOAA maintains an archive file of the complete surface synoptic reports which are received from the GTS. The Climate Analysis Center (CAC) extracts portions of these NMC archive files, performs an automated decode of extreme temperatures and accumulated precipitation according to WMO code manuals, and performs limited automated validation of the parameters. The data for all reporting stations are summarized on a daily basis to satisfy current operational requirements related to the assessment of crop and energy production.

Dataset 9619: USSR Gridded Temperature Anomalies

Abstract: USSR is the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or Soviet Union, which existed between 1922-1991. This gridded data set contains mean monthly surface temperature anomaly data for the USSR from 1891 to 1972.

Dataset 9625: Northern and Southern Hemispheric Smoothed Gridded Data

Abstract: A project was established at NCDC (then called National Weather Records Center) by the U.S. Navy to produce grid-point data for the surface and Upper Air of the Northern Hemisphere. Monthly mean pressures, temperatures and dew points were produced in the computers at what is now the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center at Monterey, California. For the upper air, monthly mean heights, temperatures and dew points were produced. Dew points were produced only through the 500-mb surface. The pressure surfaces are 850, 700, 500, 300, 200, and 100 mb. Grid point values for the mean temperatures and dew point were furnished in the Monterey grid and grid intersections of five degrees of latitude and longitude. The height grid is furnished by every five degrees of latitude and longitude.

Dataset 9639: U.S. Soil Temperatures

Abstract: The major parameters that make up this soil-temperature DS-9639 data file are depth of soil temperature measurements (inches or centimeters), soil type (coded), and daily temperatures (deg f). The primary source of this file is from daily measurements taken by the federal government, state government and university sponsored agriculture research and experiment stations that are part of the cooperative station network. Each soil record contains the daily soil temperature measurement for a particular depth. The record includes the time of the observation, the depth of the soil reading, soil type, plus the monthly extremes (maximum, minimum) and the average monthly soil temperature. Depth maybe recorded in inches or centimeters. The soil types are grass, fallow, bare ground, brome grass, sod, straw mulch, or muck. The digital data are for the period from January 1967 through December 1981. Soil data after 1981 are produced and stored on DS-3200 Cooperative Summary of the Day (C00314).

Dataset 9640: U.S. Temperature-Precipitation-Drought Index

Abstract: The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) maintains and routinely publishes monthly averages of temperature and precipitation for state climatic divisions in the publication Climatological Data (US Dept. of Agriculture, 1931-40, US Dept. of Commerce, 1940-82). The climatic divisions represent a region within a state that is, as nearly as possible, climatically homogeneous. Obviously, in a complex terrain rather extreme variations can occur, but usually the standardized departures from the normal are spatially consistent within a division. The Palmer model was calibrated over the period 1931-83. Input consisted of monthly mean temperature and total precipitation for each of the 344 state climatic divisions. Prior to 1931, divisional averages were obtained by a series of regression equations relating statewide monthly temperature and precipitation to divisional values. Historical Climatology Series 1-6 describes the procedure in detail. Data prior to 1931 should be treated as estimates within each division. Large-scale patterns should be fairly well represented during this time period, but details within a state will be smoothed by the regression estimates. The major parameters in this file are sequential "Time Biased Corrected" state climatic division monthly Average Temperatures (Deg. F. to 10ths), Precipitation (inches to 100ths), and Palmer Drought Indices (PDSI, PHDI, PMDI, and ZNDX). The period of record of the data set is 1895 through the present, and is updated monthly.

Dataset 9641a: WMO Global Standard Normals

Abstract: This data set contains 1961-1990 global standard climate normals for over 4000 stations worldwide computed by more than 135 countries and territories. The major parameters that make up this data set consist of: maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature, soil temperature, precipitation, snowfall, snow depth, wet bulb temperature, dew point temperature, relative humidity, sea level pressure, vapor pressure, wind speed and direction, cloud cover, sunshine duration, solar radiation, evaporation, number of days with various weather elements (occurrence/nonoccurrence), and number of days with weather parameters beyond various threshold values. The statistics include: mean, median, quarterlies, extremes, frequency distribution, standard deviation, and number of years with non-missing data. The normals data were computed by the Member countries and territories of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and submitted to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climatic Data Center (World Data Center-A for Meteorology) for collection and processing. The quality assurance process consisted of extreme limits checks and consistency checks. The global standard normals are prepared worldwide once every 30 years.

Dataset 9641b: U.S. Monthly Divisional Means and Standard Deviations

Abstract: This data set consists of four files (1931-1960, 1941-1970, 1951-1980 and 1931-1980) containing divisional temperature and precipitation data, long term means and standard deviations from the 1931-1980 period. The values in this data set are based on station data that were available as the CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA publication went to press on an operational basis. Late station reports and corrected station reports were generally not incorporated into these divisional values. In the mid 1980's, late and corrected station reports were incorporated into divisional values which are part of a companion data set. The companion data set's values supercede the values in this data set. This data set is being retained for comparative purposes only.

Dataset 9641c: U.S. Monthly Station Normals

Abstract: The climatological normals presented in this publication are based on monthly maximum, minimum, and mean temperature and monthly total precipitation records for each year in the 30-year period 1971-2000, inclusive. Most stations were operating as of December 2000. In order to be included in the normals, a station had to have at least 10 years of monthly temperature data or 10 years of monthly precipitation data for each month in the period 1971-2000. In addition, a station had to be active since January 1, 1999, or had to be included as a normals station in the 1961-1990 normals.

Dataset 9641d: U.S. Daily Station Normals

Abstract: The climatological normals presented in this data set are based on monthly maximum, minimum, and mean temperature and monthly total precipitation records for each year in the 30-year period 1971-2000, inclusive (as well as separately computed monthly degree day totals). The monthly values are available in data set DOC/DSI-9641-C (Climatography of the United States, No. 81 Monthly Station Normals of Temperature, Precipitation, and Heating and Cooling Degree Days, 1971-2000). Most stations were operating as of December 2000. In order to be included in the normals, a station had to have at least 10 years of monthly temperature data or 10 years of monthly precipitation data for each month in the period 1971-2000. In addition, a station had to be active since January 1, 1999, or had to be included as a normals station in the 1961-1990 normals.

Dataset 9641e: U.S. Historical Climatological Series

Abstract: The data in this data set are based on climate division monthly mean temperature, precipitation, and heating and cooling degree days (see DSI-9641: MONTHLY DIVISIONAL NORMALS AND STANDARD DEVIATIONS, from 1931-1990, OF TEMPERATURE, PRECIPITATION, AND HEATING AND COOLING DEGREE DAYS). A climate division represents a region within a state that is climatically quasi homogeneous, for example a crop reporting district or river drainage basin. Each month, averages of temperature and precipitation are calculated for state climatic divisions by simple averaging of data from all stations within the division that record both temperature and precipitation. Monthly heating and cooling degree day totals for the divisions are then derived from the division's monthly mean temperature using an estimation technique developed by Thom. The degree day model developed by Thom computes monthly degree days using the monthly temperature values and the standard deviation of the temperature values over a standardizing period. The standardizing period used for this data set was 1931-1990. The Thom model was used to compute derived sequential monthly heating and cooling degree days for January 1931 to December 1991 (through June 1992 for heating degree days) for each division, based on the division's sequential monthly temperature data. The eight files in this data set contain the historical sequential data and 30 year, 60 year, and 61 year means and standard deviations (for 1931-60, 1941-70, 1951-80, 1961-90, 1931-90, and 1931-91) of monthly and annual (seasonal) area weighted mean temperature and total precipitation and population weighted heating and cooling degree days for the 48 contiguous states, Alaska, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, nine census regions, and the contiguous United States. Note: not all elements are computed for Alaska, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Dataset 9641f: U.S. Monthly Divisional Normals and Standard Deviations

Abstract: This Climatography includes normals and standard deviations for the five 30-year normals periods and the 70-year period between 1931-2000 for each climate division. A climate division represents a region within a state that is as climatically homogeneous as possible. The divisional data are used for research applications in hydrology, agriculture, energy supply, etc., where data averaged over an area rather than for a point (station) is needed. Divisional data are used to assess large-scale climatic features with respect to a long period (i.e., decadal, 30-year period, etc.). There are 344 climate divisions in the conterminous U.S., with additional divisions in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Pacific trust territories. Divisional boundaries generally coincide with county boundaries except in the western U.S., where they are based largely on drainage basins. The divisions have been established for the benefit of researchers in hydrology, agriculture, energy supply, etc., who require data averaged over an area of a state rather than for a point (station). Divisional data have been found to be useful for building larger area averages (e.g., for entire states or regions). The data presented have many applications, but like all climatological products they must be used within the framework for which they were designed.

Dataset 9641g: U.S. Monthly and Annual Heating and Cooling Degree Day Normals

Abstract: This data set contains 1961-1990 station monthly and annual heating and cooling degree day normals derived from monthly station temperature normals and standard deviations using the Thom algorithm. The heating degree days are to twelve base temperatures and the cooling degree days are to twelve base temperatures. The heating and cooling degree day normals in this data set were not computed from historical observed degree day data. Instrument changes and relocations can cause numerous inhomogeneities in a weather station's records. Missing daily data further complicates the process of computing degree day values. The Thom method of computing degree days was used as a solution to these problems. The rational conversion formulae developed by Thom allow the monthly temperature normals and their standard deviations over the 1961-1990 period to be converted to degree day normals above and below any base with uniform consistency.

Dataset 9641h: Name Tape for 1951-1980 Temperature and Precipitation Normals

Abstract: Name File for 1951-80 Temperature and Precipitation Normals Stations is digital data set DS-9641H, archived at the National Climatic Data Center(NCDC). NCDC has a series of climate normals products/data sets, such as Climatography of the US #81 (DS-9641C and DS-9641G), and Climatography of the US #84 (DS-9641D). DS-9641H is a list of stations used for the old 1951-80 version of these products. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9641h complete document

Dataset 9641i: U.S. Daily Normal Growing Degree Day Units

Abstract: This data set contains Daily Normal Growing Degree Day (GDD) units to selected base temperatures for the 1951-1980 period. The daily GDD values in this data set represent the 30-year average GDD values for a particular base temperature to one decimal point. The Growing Degree Day normals were also published as tabular values in Climatography of the United States No. 20. Graphs of cumulative daily growing degree units for bases 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 degrees Fahrenheit for all stations in this data set are also available on microfiche at NCDC. Growing degree units are used often in agriculture as a guide in crop scheduling. They relate air temperature to plant growth and maturation, and are sometimes used for classifying regional agroclimates.

Dataset 9641j: U.S. Monthly Normals for the Atypical Climate Elements

Abstract: This data set contains 1961-1990 climate normals for 290 National Weather Service and Federal Aviation Administration First Order and Second Order airport weather stations from all 50 States plus U.S. Territories and Possessions. These normals were prepared as the data set from which the U.S. station contribution, to the World Meteorological Organization 1961-1990 global standard normals project, would be selected. The global standard normals are prepared worldwide once every 30 years. The major parameters that make up this data set consist of those climatic elements for which normals are not routinely (i.e., every decade) computed, and include: daily temperatures, precipitation, snowfall, and snow depth; hourly dry bulb temperature, wet bulb temperature, dew point temperature, relative humidity, sea level pressure, wind speed, and wind direction; cloud cover, sunshine duration, number of days with various weather elements (occurrence/nonoccurrence), and number of days with weather parameters beyond various threshold values. The statistics include: mean, median, quarterlies, extremes, frequency distribution, standard deviation of monthly values, standard deviation of hourly values, and number of years with non-missing data. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9641j complete document

Dataset 9641k: U.S. Normals of Snowfall and Snowdepth

Abstract: The purpose of this project was to prepare official snowfall and snow depth normals for the period 1961-1990 for weather stations across the United States and its territories. U.S. climate normals are periodically computed by the NCDC according to guidelines established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). QC'd data from the Production of Snowfall and Snow Depth Climatologies for NWS Cooperative Observer Sites project were used in this normals project for Cooperative (COOP) stations, while normals previously computed from another data base were used for First Order/airport (WBAN) stations. There are 3295 stations in this data set, of which 258 are First Order/airport stations and 3037 are volunteer Cooperative stations. All of the stations are identified by a Cooperative Identification Number. The snow normals were computed for stations that had at least 15 years of non-missing data for total snowfall, daily snowfall and snow cover, and number of days with snowfall and snow cover during the normals period.

Dataset 9641l: U.S. Extreme Snowfall Return Period Statistics

Abstract: The purpose of this project was to prepare snowfall extremes and return period statistics for official weather stations across the contiguous United States and Alaska. A subset of the output data was provided to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for use as an aid in making disaster declarations for record or near-record snowstorms. Data from 1948-1996 were analyzed. The output for this project includes observed extreme snowfall values and the extreme snowfall values that correspond to four return periods. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9641l complete document

Dataset 9641m: U.S. Snow Climatology

Abstract: This ESDIM-funded project generated snow climatologies for 5525 stations in the contiguous United States and Alaska. These COOP station snow climatologies have been used to support NWS real-time snow operations in the ASOS observation era, and have enabled NOAA to better respond to user requests for snow information for use in economic and engineering decision-making. This project analyzed daily snowfall and snow depth data from NCDC's DSI-3200 Cooperative Summary of the Day database. The digital period of record, through December 1996, was examined.

Dataset 9644: World Weather Records

Abstract: This data set has been collected under the name "World Weather Records" (WWR) since the first series was published in a single volume in 1927. The 1981-1990 decadal series is the eighth series of published data. As of November 1996, only three of these series: 1951-1960, 1961-1970 and 1971-1980 have been digitally archived in DSI-9644. Other data sets at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), most notably the Global Historical Climate Network (GHCN: DSI-9100) have historical surface climatological data derived from the earlier, non-digital series of WWR. Elements from 1951-70 include monthly means of station and sea level pressure, temperature, as well as monthly total amounts of precipitation. Beginning with the 1981-90 series, values of mean maximum and minimum monthly temperatures were additionally included in DSI-9644.

Dataset 9645: World Weather Records NCAR Surface

Abstract: The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has world monthly surface station climatological data for over 3900 different stations (2500 in more recent years) up through 1998. Data for some stations goes as far back as the mid-1700's. The standard parameters available are sea level pressure, station pressure, temperature, and precipitation. After 1960, additional available parameters include moisture and percent of possible sunshine.

Dataset 9647: Worldwide Airfield Summary

Abstract: This is a selection of climatological data, compiled from numerous sources, including foreign publications, by the U.S. Air Force, Air Weather Service. It consists of summaries for approximately 4,000 stations worldwide and the climatic areas in which they are located, for the month of June in 1969. The data presented are monthly and annual summaries of: 1. Absolute maximum and minimum temperatures (Deg. F), 2. Mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures (Deg. F), 3. Mean number of days with maximum temperature equal to or greater than 90 Deg. F, 4. Mean number of days with minimum temperature equal to or less than 32 or 0 Deg. F, 5. Mean dew-point temperature (Deg. F), 6. Mean relative humidity (%), 7. Mean pressure altitude (feet), 8. Mean precipitation (in.), 9. Mean snowfall (in.), 10. Mean number of days with precipitation equal to or greater than 0.1 inch, 11. Mean number of days with snowfall equal to or greater than 1.5 inch, 12. Mean number of days with an occurrence of visibility less than 0.5 mile, 13. Mean number of days with thunderstorms, 14. Percent frequency surface wind speed equal to or greater than 17 knots, 15. Percent frequency surface wind speed equal to or greater than 28 knots, 16. Percent frequency ceiling less than 5,000 feet and/or visibility less than 5 miles, 17. Percent frequency ceiling less than 1,500 feet and/or visibility less than 3 miles by 3-hourly increments, 18. Percent frequency ceiling less than 300 feet and/or visibility less than 1 mile by 3-hourly increments, 19. Mean number of days with ceiling equal to or greater than 1,000 feet and visibility equal to or greater than 3 miles, 20. Mean number of days with ceiling equal to or greater than 2,500 feet and visibility equal to or greater than 3 miles, 21. Mean number of days with ceiling equal to or greater than 6,000 feet and visibility equal to or greater than 3 miles, 22. Mean number of days with ceiling equal to or greater than 10,000 feet and visibility equal to or greater than 3 miles, 23. Mean number of days ceiling equal to or greater than 2,000 feet and visibility equal to or greater than 3 miles with surface wind speed less than 10 knots, 24. Mean number of days with surface wind speed equal to or greater than 17 knots and no precipitation, 25. Mean number of days with surface wind speed 4 to 10 knots and temperature 33 to 89 Deg. F and no precipitation, 26. Mean number of days with sky cover less than 3/l0ths and visibility equal to or greater than 3 miles.

Dataset 9649: U.S. Precipitation Data; Maximum Short Duration Precipitation

Abstract: The major data variables that make up this digital file are: station ID data; 5-180 minute data; time of day and precipitation amount; greatest 24 hour precipitation and snowfall with date for month; maximum snow depth and date for month; total monthly snowfall; and the QC flags for each of these fields. This data set contains data for the period 1973-1998 with some missing data. Data is from the United States and its Territories, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and several islands in the Pacific Ocean. Data earlier than 1973 is available in various publications: A summary of maximum precipitation data for the years prior to 1896 was published in the Annual Report of the Chief of the Weather Bureau 1895-1896. Excessive precipitation data for the period 1881-1896 were published in the Annual Report of the Chief of the Weather Bureau 1896-1897. Data for 1897-1934 were published in the Annual Report of the Chief of the Weather Bureau for each of those years. For 1935-1949, data were published in the United States Meteorological Yearbook for each of those years. The annual issues of the NCDC Climatic Data National Summary (CDNS) (C00098) publication show excessive precipitation for 1950-1972 and maximum precipitation for 1973-1980. (CDNS was discontinued after 1980.)

Dataset 9651: U.S. Hourly Precipitation Data Rainfall Event Statistics

Abstract: This data set represents a compilation of a set of statistics summarizing nationwide hourly precipitation data for 3,225 stations in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico from 1948 through 1983. This work was originally requested in 1986 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Toxic Substances, Exposure Evaluation Division and performed by the National Climatic Data Center. The main objectives of the work done in 1986 were to provide parameters useful in estimation procedures for water budgets including infiltration, run off, evaporation, and ground water recharge. The major applications expected were engineering estimates of pollutant transport, especially leaching through soils.

Dataset 9655: U.S. Summary of the Day (Office of Hydrology Format)

Abstract: The Office of Hydrology (O/H) format was designed for use in implementing the National Weather Service River Forecast Service (NWSRFS) nationwide, and for calibration of hydrologic models. Parameters for these summaries of the day data set include: temperature, precipitation, winds, surface pressure, evaporation, and snow depth. The period of record is 1948-1976.

Dataset 9656: U.S. Excessive Precipitation Amounts

Abstract: This historical dataset contains statistics of maximum amounts of rainfall during the 10 year period 1962-1972. The study includes the effects of tropical cyclones in the Appalachian region from 1900 through 1969 and considers primarily the maximum recorded rainfall effects in mountainous terrain. The criteria for this data set stipulate that tropical cyclones must have passed the 1000-ft contour and that the precipitation must have been measured inside the outermost 1000-ft contour. In some cases the maxima were recorded at altitudes below the 1000-ft contour representing valley locations surrounded by higher elevation terrain. Supplemental information is presented for maxima rainfall anywhere after storm landfall, although passage of the system over the Appalachian region remained a criterion. Data presented in this set are generally from stations equipped with recording gauges. Stations are at airport locations unless otherwise shown. This data set presents the maximum fall of precipitation for the periods of 5 to 180 minutes, the maximum amounts being taken for the periods on which the fall is greatest for the given time, and is tabulated to show maximum amounts for 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150 and 180 minutes, even if the fall does not equal the excessive rate for some of the periods. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9656 complete document

Dataset 9658: U.S. Historical Palmer Drought Data

Abstract: The major parameters contained in the Historical Drought Data File are Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), Palmer Hydrological Drought Index (PHDI), Palmer Moisture and Abnormality Index (Z), and the temperature, precipitation input values for each division. The Historical Drought Data (HDD) set contains indices indicating the severity of a wet or dry spell. This data set is related to the Historical Palmer Drought Severity Indices (PDSI) currently residing in the NCDC digital library. This data set contains daily and weekly values for a period of record that begins in 1931 and continues through 1990.

Dataset 9659: U.S. Synoptic Hydrometeorological Data

Abstract: The National Weather Service (NWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has the responsibility for the river and flood warning service in the United States. The Hydrologic Research Laboratory (HRL), Office of Hydrology (O/H), NWS, NOAA, has developed and is now assisting in the implementation of a new National Weather Service River Forecast System (NWSRFS). The NSWRFS is a system of hydrologic models together with a data management subsystem. Several years of hydrometeorological data are generally required for calibrating hydrologic models. Model calibration of the NWSRFS is being done in the field by the NWS River Forecast Centers (RFC's). River forecasts are operationally issued for approximately 2,500 locations in the United States. To adapt the NWSRFS models to all these basins requires an extensive data base. Most climatic and hydrologic data have been available either in published books or on cards or tape with a format not best suited for use in handling or processing by computers. All records available for each data set at NCDC have been transferred to the O/H format. The period of record for each data set begins in January 1948. Approximately 3,000 hourly precipitation station records are included on the hourly data tapes. These include records on the hourly data tapes and records from instruments using analog recorders (Universal gauges) and those recording on digital paper tapes (Fischer-Porter gauges).

Dataset 9664: Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere (TOGA) Level III Analysis

Abstract: In order to understand better the tropical ocean/atmosphere system and its effect on the climate at higher latitudes, the Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere (TOGA) program was initiated in 1985 and extends over a ten-year period. TOGA is part of the World Climate Research Program (WCRP). The WCRP was established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU), with the objective to determine to what extent the climate can be predicted and the extent of man's influence on climate.

Dataset 9669: USCRN Station Normals of Temperature and Precipitation

Abstract: The estimated normals presented in this publication include monthly maximum, minimum, and mean temperature and monthly total precipitation for the period 1971-2000 for stations of the U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN). In addition, statistics on the error of the estimated normal and its usefulness in operational climate monitoring is also provided. The normals were estimated using the monthly USCRN data and the adjusted monthly data from 4629 Cooperative (COOP) stations.

Dataset 9682: FGGE General

Abstract: The idea of an intensive, prolonged, global, atmospheric observing experiment was conceived early in the development of the Global Atmospheric Research Program (GARP). This concept was later formalized by the Joint Organizing Committee (JOC) for GARP when it recommended to the executive committee of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and to the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) the implementation of a twelve-month global observing experiment to be called the FGGE. The NCDC can provide information of FGGE data transferred from designated FGGE collection centers throughout the world. Information is also available on selected national archives data that are not a part of The NCDC.

Dataset 9684: Alpine Experiment (ALPEX)

Abstract: The general objective of the ALPEX was to determine the airflow and mass field over and around mountain complexes under various synoptic conditions. The project has focused on circulations due to wind forcing, including storm surges in the Adriatic and western Mediterranean Sea. The area of Europe involved was from 5 degrees west to 30 degrees east Longitude and from 38 degrees north to 50 degrees north latitude. This project was in direct support of the World Meteorological Organization with 20 nations taking part in the project.

Dataset 9685: Global Daily Synoptic Surface Data

Abstract: The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) offers NCDC and United States Air Force DATSAV TD9685 global daily surface observation data sets. These are Global surface observations for many stations in modified SYNOP format. Parameters included in this dataset are: surface pressure, temperature, wind direction, wind speed, dewpoint, cloud cover, cloud type, height of cloud base, descriptive weather, visibility, snowfall, precipitation, station elevation, sea level pressure, sea surface temperature and wave height. The period of record is January 1967 - December 1980 and the area of coverage is global.

Dataset 9706: Test Reference Year (TRY)

Abstract: Efficient heating and cooling is largely dependent on building design and on the design of the heating and cooling system. Comparison of heating and air- conditioning systems in a locale requites a consideration of the effects of the weather. This weather information must be in great detail. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-conditioning Engineers, (ASHRAE) established a task group on energy requirements for heating and cooling large structures. Simultaneously, is the interest of energy conservation, the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA) were attempting to develop climatological data packaging most useful for building design applications. Joining forces, the three groups established a working group to develop the concept of a TRY. TRY would consist of hourly weather data values for a selected reference year to be used by engineers in a given area to compare different heating and air- conditioning systems in the same building or in different buildings. At the same time, the Federal Energy Administration (FEA)--as a member of the Steering Group on Climatic Conditions and Reference Year of the NATO Committee on Challenges of Modern Society--was also working on the problem. Consolidation of both efforts resulted in the development of a selection process for the Test Reference Tear, an international format for presentation of the TRY data, and TRY calculations for 60 cities within the U.S. The ASHRAE approved procedure was chosen for selecting a TRY. The principle of selection is to eliminate years in the period of record containing months with extremely high or low mean temperature until only one year remains. The period of record examined for 59 U.S. stations is 1948-1975. The 60th station, Portland, Oregon, has a period of record of 1949-1975.

Dataset 9712a: U.S. Freeze Dates for Selective States (1931-1960)

Abstract: The major parameters that make up the Freeze Date file are dates (Year, month, day) of the last occurrence in Spring and the first occurrence in Fall where temperatures were less than or equal to 32, 28, 20, and 16 degrees Fahrenheit. The selection of freeze dates was performed for only those US states for which revisions were made to the publication "Climate of the States." As a result, only a subset of US states is represented in this data set. These include Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Yearly values of the last Spring and first Fall occurrence of selected low temperatures were performed for the period 1931 through 1960.

Dataset 9712b: U.S Freeze Dates For Climate Normal Stations (1951-1980)

Abstract: The major parameters that make up the Freeze Date file are dates (year, month, day) of the last occurrence in Spring and the first occurrence in Fall where temperatures were less than or equal to 36, 32, 28, 20, and 16 degrees Fahrenheit. The selection of freeze dates was performed for 3,240 stations in the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) for the 1951-1980 period. The stations were selected from the 1951-1980 Climate Normals station list (DSI-9641). The Spring and Fall distributions in this data set were then used to produce freeze dates and growing season lengths associated with specified probability levels (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 percent). Yearly station values of the last Spring and first Fall occurrence of selected low temperatures were chosen for the period 1951 through 1980. The low temperature thresholds were the values of 36, 32, 28, 24, 20, and 16 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dataset 9712c: U.S. Probability Levels for Freeze Dates and Growing Season Lengths

Abstract: The computation of the above statistics was performed for 3,240 stations in the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) for the 1951-1980 period. The stations were selected from the 1951-1980 Climate Normals station list (DSI-9641). Spring and Fall freeze date distributions from TD9712b were then used to produce the freeze data and growing season lengths associated with specified probability levels (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 percent) presented in this data set (TD9712c). The low temperature thresholds were the values of 36, 32, 28, 24, 20, and 16 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dataset 9712d: U.S. Air Freezing Index Statistics For Climate Normals Stations (1951-1980)

Abstract: A climatography of the Air-freezing Index (AFI) has been developed for 3,110 stations in the United States from 1951-1980 and is presented here as a digital data set. The AFI is a measure of the combined magnitude and duration of air temperatures above and below freezing during any given winter season. The AFI, the thermal properties of the soil, and the surface soil cover are the major parameters used to determine the ground freezing potential of a given climate.

Dataset 9714: U.S. Tornado Archive

Abstract: The tornado archive contains a chronological listing, by state, of reported tornadoes. The reports are provided by the National Weather Service and contain statistics on injuries, damage estimates and track information. This data has been compiled from the Storm Data publication. The period of record is 1950 to the present.

Dataset 9716: U.S Comparative Climatic Data

Abstract: This digital data file contains 16 tables of Comparative Climatic Data (CCD) containing monthly and annual averages and totals, or extremes for selected meteorological elements portraying climatic conditions for selected locations. These tables of meteorological elements outline the climatic conditions at major weather observing stations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Pacific Islands. The period of record for observed data is from the 1860's through the latest processed year. Normals data are for the period 1951 through 1980.

Dataset 9767a: Pre-1951 Cooperative Station Histories

Abstract: The Pre-1951 Cooperative Station Histories Data Set includes important information about meteorological observing stations in the National Weather Service Cooperative Observation Network prior to 1951. This data set was created to compliment the existing NCDC Station History Data Set TD-9767 (now DSI-9767b) that contains station histories beginning in 1948 and continuing to the present. Station histories, or metadata (data about other data), contain information about individual stations, such as the station ID number and the name of the station, in order to reference data in other sets listed solely under an ID number with an actual station name. In addition, a station history includes data about all the locations that the station has occupied over time including the exact location, elevation, exposure of instruments, types of instruments, whether or not the data recorded was published,the period of record at each location, and the observers during that period.

Dataset 9767b: Master Station History Report (MSHR)

Abstract: The MSHR data set contains information about the present and historical names, identifiers, and locations of approximately 30,000 stations documented in the NCDC Station History Data Base. These stations are located on all continents, but most (more than 95%) are US sites. This station information, a kind of metadata (data about other data), is used in the plotting, interpretation and analysis of climate data. The MSHR data set, for the first time, contains information for all NCDC stations, including those having only non-digital data archived at the NCDC. The MSHR data set is updated monthly by the NCDC Archive Branch as part of the Metadata Integration and Improvement Integration (MI3) database.

Dataset 9793: U.S. Wind Energy Resource Information (WERIS)

Abstract: U.S. Wind Energy Resource Information (WERIS) is historical digital data set DS-9793, archived at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, operated by Battelle Memorial Institute for the US Department of Energy in Richland, Washington, USA, created an integrated regional wind resource assessment data and atlas, which is available as a computerized data base. This data base is NCDC data set DS-9793. Approximately 975 station locations in the United States are in the data base. Through the application of various techniques, wind data from these locations were converted into resource assessment estimates of wind power class at exposed sites. The major source of wind data that went into the resource assessments was NCDC data set DS-1440 (which was later converted to US Global Surface Airways Hourly Observations, DS-3280, a current NCDC data set). Data are from the early 1900s through 1978.

Dataset 9794: Unedited Solar Radiation Data

Abstract: Unedited solar radiation data are archived at NCDC on both microfiche and digital file. These historic data contain hourly and daily totals of unedited global, direct, and diffuse solar radiation. The solar network consists of 26 selected stations operated by the National Weather Service. The unedited hourly and daily totals are accumulated from 1-minute values contained on files received from the NWS stations. The data were run through a gross edit check only.

Dataset 9795: Climatic Diagnostics Database

Abstract: This data set was created by the National Meteorological Center (which is now the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, or NCEP), using global climatic data from the period October 1, 1978 through September 30, 1983. The Climate Diagnostics Database contains monthly averages of selected fields from the National Meteorological Center's global optimum interpolation analysis. The major parameters are monthly averages of the following elements for constant pressure levels of 1000-, 850-, 700-, 500-, 300-, 250-, 200-, 100-, and 50-millibars: 1. U (West/East) component of wind (meters/second), 2. V (South/North) component of wind (meters/second), 3. Temperature (Deg. K), 4. Geopotential height (geopotential meters), 5. Vertical velocity (millibars/second), 6. Specific humidity (grams/kilogram) 7. Vorticity (seconds-1), 8. Pressure (millibars), 9. Sums squared of U (West/East) component of wind (meters/second), 10. Sums squared of V (South/North) component of wind (meters/second), 11. Sums squared of temperature (Deg. K), 12. Sums squared of geopotential height (geopotential meters). 13. Sums squared of vertical velocity (millibars/second), 14. Sums squared of specific humidity (grams/kilogram), 15. Sums squared of vertical velocity (seconds-1), 16. Sum of cross product UV wind components (m2s-2), East-West transport of poleward momentum, 17. Sum of cross product U and temperature (ms-1K), East-West transport of heat, 18. Sum of cross product U and geopotential height (ms-1gpm), East-West transport of mass, 19. Sum of cross product U and vertical velocity (mmbs-2), East-West transport of vertical momentum, 20. Sum of cross product U and specific humidity (mgs-1Kg-1), East-West transport of moisture, 21. Sum of cross product U and vorticity (ms-2), East-West transport of relative vorticity, 22. Sum of cross product V and temperature, North-South transport of heat, 23. Sum of cross product V and geopotential height (ms-1gpm), North-South transport of mass, 24. Sum of cross product V and vertical velocity (mmbs-2), North-South transport of vertical momentum, 25. Sum of cross products V and specific humidity (mgs-1Kg-1), North-South transport of moisture, 26. Sum of cross products V and vorticity (ms-2), North-South transport of relative vorticity, 27. Stretching of vortex tubes (s-2). If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9795 complete document

Dataset 9798: RADAP II

Abstract: In 1971, the National Weather Service (NWS) began The Digitized Radar Experiment (D/RADEX) to improve the operational use of radar data through computer processing. The primary purpose of D/RADEX was to demonstrate the utility of digital reflectivity data in weather forecasting operations; D-RADEX was programmed for automatic preparation of low level reflectivity and rainfall accumulation products. The early stages of D/RADEX involved four sites: Kansas City, MO; Oklahoma City, OK; Fort Worth, TX; and Monett, MO. Through its lifetime, many advanced meteorological and hydrological products were developed under D/RADEX including echo tops, vertically integrated liquid water content, severe weather probability, storm structure, and rainfall accumulation. In 1983, positive evaluation of the results of D/RADEX resulted in transferring the system to quasi-operational status and renaming it Radar Data Processor, version II (RADAP II). Data were collected from nine stations: Amarillo, TX, Wichita, KS, Charleston, WV, Garden City, KS, Limon, CO, Oklahoma city, OK, Pittsburgh, PA, Ruskin, FL and Monett, MO. The period of record began with April, 1985 data. The major data variables that make up this file are: station identification and time, elevation angle, range interval, merge data, elevation, type observation, rotational direction of original input data, ap indicator, snow indicator, number of data values, and number, mean, and standard deviation of non-zero DVIP values. This data file was collected and processed by the Oklahoma climatological survey of Norman, Oklahoma.

Dataset 9799: African Historical Precipitation

Abstract: The major data variables and parameter that make up this file are station name, country name, year of data, and monthly precipitation. The period of record varies per station. A few stations have records that begin in the late 1880's. The latest data in this file is 1981. Inventories of specific stations are available from the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, North Carolina. These data represent a collection of data from various sources in Africa, including publications from countries, hand-written data secured from visiting scientists, and in-country visits.

Dataset 9799e: Historical Rainfall Data for Africa

Abstract: The data reside on 16 IBM-compatible diskettes in standard DOS format and were compiled by the Models Branch of the Climate Impact Assessment Division (CIAD)in the Assessment and Information Services Center (AISC) of NESDIS, in cooperation with the Cooperative Institute of Applied Meteorology (CIAM) of the University of Missouri at Columbia. The precipitation values were derived from the best available sources and have been quality controlled. Totals and means have been computed and added to the data set. Totals are for annual values of precipitation and are only computed if all 12 months or 36 decades were present. Averages were computed for months and decades from all available data. The mean total is the mean of the annual totals present and will not necessarily be the same as the total of the means because different data may have been used to compute the two sets of values. Only in cases where there is no partial year data will the mean of the total be equal to the total of the means. Get the documentation in 9799e Word or 9799e PDF

Dataset 9806a: USSR Daily Temperature and Precipitation Data

Abstract: This data set contains daily temperature and precipitation measurements collected at 223 USSR stations over the period 1881-1993. It was originally compiled from digital and manuscript records archived at the Research Institute of Hydrometeorological Information (RIHMI) in Obninsk, Russia. These data were acquired as a result of a bilateral initiative known as the Agreement on Protection of the Environment established on May 23, 1972 between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The primary goal of the initiative, which remains active despite the breakup of the USSR, is to promote cooperation between the two countries (Russia and the United States) on numerous environmental protection issues. Daily mean, minimum, and maximum temperatures are available (to the nearest tenth of a degree Celsius) for each station. Temperature observations were taken eight times a day from 1966-1993, four times a day from 1936-1965, and three times a day from 1881-1935. Daily mean temperature is defined as the average of all observations for each calendar day. Daily maximum/minimum temperatures are derived from maximum/minimum thermometer measurements. Daily precipitation totals are also available (to the nearest tenth of a millimeter) for each station. Throughout the record, daily precipitation is defined as the total amount of precipitation recorded during a 24 hour period, snowfall being converted to a liquid total by melting the snow in the gauge. From 1936 on, rain gauges were checked several times each day; the cumulative total of all observations during a calendar day was presumably used as the daily total. Get the documentation in 9806 Word or 9806 PDF

Dataset 9813: Daily and Sub-daily Precipitation for the Former USSR

Abstract: These files are a compilation of in situ daily and hourly meteorological observations for the former USSR initially obtained within the framework of several joint projects of All-Russian Research Institute for Hydrometeorological Information-World Data Center of the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, Obninsk, Russian Federation, and NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Asheville, North Carolina. The data in this archive have been compiled from several sources: 1. Raw daily precipitation records obtained from RIHMI-WDC in two swaths: - Former USSR stations of International Exchange [223 of them; a subset of this data has been initially distributed by Carbon Dioxide Information Data Center (Razuvaev et al. 1993)] but now is updated to 2001 for the Russian Federation; - Former USSR (thereafter, Russia) synoptic stations (totally 2187 stations with the last data records ending in mid 1996) 2. Derivative daily precipitation time series composed from the above but homogenized for wetting bias changes and rain gauge changes using the technique developed by Groisman and Rankova (2001); 3. Sub-daily precipitation accumulations for the 2095 former USSR synoptic stations compiled from several sources but thereafter verified using national data holdings of the Russian Federation (up to 2000) but for other NIS countries mostly up to 1991 (cf., NCDC 2005; Data Set-9290c). There are a total of 2188 stations (Fig. 1) in the daily precipitation archive, and a few records of raw daily precipitation go back as far back as far as October 1, 1874. In this version of the archive, the time series starts from 1891, the year when standard rain gauges with the Nipher wind shield were introduced en masse across the meteorological network of Russia. Initially, many records in the daily archive ended in early or mid 1990's. These records (as well as all missing values) were updated, when possible, with the values of accumulated for the day 6- and 12-hourly precipitation from the synoptic archive.

Dataset 9816: Canadian Monthly Precipitation

Abstract: The comprehensive data set of Canadian monthly meteorological information is available for the period from the beginning of observations (different for different stations, the earliest station starts in 1874) to year 1990. This data set was purchased from Canadian Atmospheric Environment Service (AES) by NCDC in the early 1990s and used in several climatological assessments. In those analyses we used subsets of these data (less than 1500 stations that met several requirements on the length of the time series, representativeness for selected regions and/or period of time). Now we present these data in their entirety (all available stations with adequate metadata that measured precipitation after 1891). Efforts were made to eliminate instrumental inhomogeneities that plague climatological analyses of Canadian precipitation.

Dataset 9870: U.S. Integrated Surface Irradiance Study (ISIS) 15-Min Values and Statistics

Abstract: NCDC has a collection of U.S. solar radiation data. DSI-9870 contains 15 minute values of incident solar radiation. Major parameters included are: Global horizontal irradiance (GBL), direct beam irradiance (NIP), diffuse irradiance (DIFF), Violet global irradiance (UVB) and photosynthetic active radiation (PARrsr). GBL and DIFF elements are measured using a precision spectral pyranometer. NIP is measured using a precision pyrheliometer. UVB is measured using an Ultra Violet Biometer (Solar Light). PARrsr is measured using a silicon solid-state pyranometer under a rotating shadowband radiometer. In addition to these parameters, this data set also includes maximums and minimums of the 15 second values.

Dataset 9871: U.S. Integrated Surface Irradiance Study (ISIS) 1-Hour Values and Statistics

Abstract: NCDC has a collection of US solar radiation data. DSI-9871 contains hourly values of incident solar radiation. Major parameters included are: Global horizontal irradiance (GBL), direct beam irradiance (NIP) and diffuse irradiance (DIFF). GBL and DIFF elements are measured using a precision spectral pyranometer. NIP is measured using a precision pyrheliometer. Ultra Violet global irradiance (UVB) is also measured using an Ultra Violet Biometer (Solar Light).

Dataset 9872: U.S. Incident Solar Radiation Balance Observations Integrated Surface Irradiance Study (ISIS) Level 2

Abstract: The Integrated Surface Irradiance Study (ISIS) is a continuation of earlier NOAA surface-based solar monitoring programs, in the visible and ultra violet wavebands. ISIS provides basic surface radiation data with repeatability, consistency, and accuracy based on reference standards maintained at levels better than 1% to address questions of spatial distributions and time trends, at sites selected to be (1) regionally representative, (2) long-term continuous and (3) strategic foci for the research that is now needed. The Air Resources Laboratory (ARL) operates the NOAA national broadband solar radiation network collecting data in both the visible and ultraviolet (UV-B) wavebands. ISIS operates at two levels: Level 1 monitors incoming radiation only, and Level 2 (SURFRAD) focuses on surface radiation balance. NCDC currently maintains data for the Level 2 set from 1995 and beyond. Currently six SURFRAD stations are operating in climatologically diverse regions: Montana, Colorado, Illinois, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. Independent measures of upwelling and downwelling, solar and infrared are the primary measurements; ancillary observations include direct and diffuse solar, photosynthetically active radiation, UVB, spectral solar, and meteorological parameters.

Dataset 9940: U.S. Daily Snow Cover Grids

Abstract: SNOw Data Assimilation System (SNODAS) is a modeling and data assimilation system developed by the NOAA National Weather Services National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC). Its purpose is to provide the best possible estimates of snow cover and associated variables to support hydrologic modeling and analysis. The aim of SNODAS is to provide a physically consistent framework to integrate snow data from satellite and airborne platforms, and ground stations with model estimates of snow cover. SNODAS includes procedures to ingest and downscale output form Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models; a physically based, spatially-distributed energy-and mass-balance snow model; and procedures to assimilate satellite-derived, airborne and ground-based observations of snow covered area and snow water equivalent. The snow model has high spatial (1 km) and temporal (1 hour) resolutions and is run for the conterminous United States. SNODAS is run each day, forced by downscaled output from the RUC2 NWP model. Each day, analysts decide whether or not to use remote sensing and ground based observations to update the snow water equivalent state in the model. Difference fields between model and observed snow water equivalent are generated. The model is then re-run for the last 6 hours of the hindcast step using scaled difference fields to 'nudge' model estimates of the snow water equivalent estimates. A 12 hour forecast of snow cover is then made using NWP output. The variables included in this archive are: Snow water equivalent, Snow depth, Snow melt runoff at the base of snow pack, Sublimation from the snow pack, Sublimation of blowing snow, Solid precipitation, Liquid precipitation, and Snow pack average temperature.

Dataset 9945: Thunderstorm Beginning and Ending Times

Abstract: Data consist of thunderstorm beginning and ending times in a 24-hour clock format for 450 stations for the general period January 1, 1948 through December 31, 1977. A number of the stations data begin prior to 1948 ensuring an adequate period of record for remote locations. Storm times were extracted from the original manuscript Weather Service, Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Navy stations. For locations with data taken during the 1942-1945 period, the times were converted from war-time to Local Standard Time.

Dataset 9950: DATSAV2 Global Surface Data

Abstract: DATSAV2 is the official climatological database for surface observations. The database is composed of worldwide surface weather observations from about 10,000 currently active stations, collected and stored from sources such as the US Air Force's Automated Weather Network (AWN) and the WMO's Global Telecommunications System (GTS). Most collected observations are decoded at the Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA) formerly known as the Air Force Global Weather Central (AFGWC) at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, and then sent electronically to the USAF Combat Climatology Center (AFCCC). DATSAV2 refers to the digital tape format in which decoded weather observations are stored. The DATSAV2 format conforms to Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). The DATSAV2 database includes data originating from various "codes" such as synoptic, airways, METAR (Meteorological Routine Weather Report), and SMARS (Supplementary Marine Reporting Station), as well as observations from automatic weather stations.

Dataset 9956: DATSAV3 Global Surface Hourly Data

Abstract: The DATSAV3 Surface Database is composed of worldwide surface weather observations from about 10,000 currently active stations, collected and stored from sources such as the Automated Weather Network (AWN) and the Global Telecommunications System (GTS). Most collected observations are decoded at the Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA) at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, and then sent electronically to the USAF Combat Climatology Center (AFCCC). AFCCC builds the final database through decode, validation, and quality control software. All data are stored in a single ASCII format. The database is used in climatological applications by numerous DoD and civilian customers. DATSAV3 refers to the digital tape format in which decoded weather observations are stored. (Two older, discontinued formats were DATSAV and DATSAV2.) The DATSAV3 format conforms to Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). The DATSAV3 database includes data originating from various codes such as synoptic, airways, METAR (Meteorological Routine Weather Report), and SMARS (Supplementary Marine Reporting Station), as well as observations from automatic weather stations. The users handbook provides complete documentation for the database and its format. AFCCC sorts the observations into station-date-time order, validates each station number against the Air Weather Service Master Station Catalog (AWSMSC), runs several quality control programs, and then merges and sorts the data further into monthly and yearly station-ordered files. AFCCC then provides the data to the co-located National Climatic Data Center (NCDC).

Dataset 9957: Surface Records Retention System (SRRS) of Weather Observations, Forecasts, Summaries, Warnings and Advisories Issued by the National Weather Service (NWS)

Abstract: The Service Records Retention System (SRRS) was developed to store weather observations, summaries, forecasts, warnings and advisories provided by the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) for public use and are retained by the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) for a five year period. NCDC retains records from the (NWS) that may be needed at a later time for accident investigations and litigations. Service products issued by the NWS offices are transmitted on the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) communications to an NWS Gateway (NWSTG) server. The products are then electronically transferred to the NCDC and ingested into the Hierarchal Data Storage System (HDSS) for records retention. The three basic groupings of NWS Service Products (SP) are: - Observations: observations reports originated by NWS, Federal Aviation Administration, or Department of Defense facilities and transmitted through the NWS Telecommunication Gateway, NOAAPORT, or equivalent. These reports include, but are not limited to, surface observations (including Automated Surface Observing System and Automated Weather Observing System reports), pilot reports, upper air reports, marine reports, and automated buoy observations. - Forecasts: all official routine and non-routine disseminated products related to, or derived from, NWS forecast and warning programs (alphanumeric and graphic format), regardless of dissemination method. - Graphics: all routine and non-routine environmental data analysis graphics, such as surface analysis, standard layer upper air analyses, weather depiction, radar summary, etc.; and all routine and non-routine graphics represented as official NWS forecasts including aviation prognostic graphics (e.g., Low Level and High Level Significant Weather Prognosis) produced by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction and other NWS facilities (e.g., Alaska Aviation Weather Unit). Northern Hemisphere, North America, and United States meteorological analyses and forecast charts are displayed on polar stereographic map backgrounds. Eastern Hemisphere, Western Hemisphere, and Pacific Hemisphere tropical strip analyses are displayed on mercator map backgrounds. All of the backgrounds contain state and international political boundaries, coastlines, and lines of latitude and longitude.

Dataset 9959: National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD)

Abstract: The National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD) provides access to gridded forecast of sensible weather elements. These sensible weather elements include: temperature, dew point, winds, chance of precipitation, precipitation amount, weather, and sky cover. These are plotted every 3 hours out to 72 hours; every 6 hours out to 168 hours. Additional variables include: max/min temperatures (every 24 hours, out to 168 hours), probability of precipitation (every 12 hours, out to 168 hours), precipitation amount (every 6 hours out to 72 hours), snow amount (every 6 hours out to 48 hours), and wave height (every 12 hours out to 120 hours). All of these parameters are available for time scales as small as an hour and space scales of a few kilometers. The NDFD will also contain, in time, watch and warning information and weather elements from National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) centers such as marine and climate products.

Dataset 9977: U.S. Cooperative Historical Station Data

Abstract: These data are keyed from the NWS Cooperative Station Network which contains over 30,000 historical stations of which approximately 8000 are currently active. The project was to digitize those records not currently in DSI-3200. Most of the stations in the digital file begin circa 1948 with a few exceptions where some stations, for special projects, were digitized for earlier dates. The DSI-3200 inventories were checked and all observations in the NCDC archives (on microfiche) that were not in the digital database were keyed as far back as the early 1890s to fill in existing voids in the digital database. Get the documentation in 9977 Word or 9977 PDF