The New Jersey Weather and Climate Network: a dense, multipurpose network of networks

The New Jersey Weather and Climate Network (NJWxNet) serves as a comprehensive information resource for NJ weather and climate monitoring, weather forecasting, and weather/climate-related decision making. It is a unique “network of networks”, arguably the densest mesonet in the nation in the most densely populated state. Data are gathered each hour from over 150 stations, including approximately 40 operated by the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist (ONJSC), along with more than 100 stations maintained by the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, the National Weather Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the US Forest Service, the NJ Department of Transportation, and others. At the ONJSC, raw data are processed into a common database, with data and derived products made available in colorful maps, graphs and tables via the NJWxNet web site (http://climate.rutgers.edu/njwxnet) within minutes of the observation. Network particulars will be discussed along with examples of how data and products are being used in cooperation with public and private entities involved with emergency, transportation, environment, and agriculture decision making and for educational purposes. Lessons learned and future plans will also be addressed.