Preliminary Climatology and Utility of Near-Surface Temperature Inversion Monitoring in North Carolina.

Near-surface temperature inversions play an important role on fog formation, air pollution and pesticide spray drift, among others. Agriculture is a key commodity in North Carolina, and monitoring near-surface temperature inversions are an important element in ensuring proper dispersion of herbicides to various crops grown in the state (e.g. soybeans, corn, sweet potatoes, tobacco, peanuts, and blueberries). Spraying of herbicides during temperature inversions can be dangerous and potentially cause damage to crops from spray drift to non-target areas. Temperature inversions are difficult to observe, as it requires temperature observations at multiple levels. The North Carolina State Climate Office (NCSCO) maintains a state-wide weather monitoring network, the Environment and Climate Observing Network (ECONet), currently consisting of 44 research-grade weather stations. These stations are equipped with various environmental and meteorological sensors, including air temperature sensors at 2m and 9m above ground level, which allow for continuous monitoring of near-surface temperature inversions. This study aims to create a preliminary climatology utilizing ECONet to determine the frequency and duration of near-surface temperature inversions throughout three distinct geographic regions of North Carolina: mountains, piedmont, and coastal plain. Results will be used in the future to highlight the importance and utility of near-surface temperature inversion monitoring and aid local partners (e.g., Cooperative Extension, the National Weather Service) in their forecasting and pesticide spraying efforts.

Keywords: Instrumentation, Temperature Inversion, Climatology, Weather Monitoring, Mesonet, Near-Surface, Observations, ECONet, North Carolina