The New Jersey Weather and Climate Network: providing environmental information for a myriad of applications

In recent years, the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist at Rutgers University (ONJSC) has developed the New Jersey Weather and Climate Network (NJWxNet). Network observations are available in near real time to all New Jersey residents. Data are used for environmental monitoring, educational and applied climate purposes. The network also provides a wide range of decision makers with the information necessary to maximize the safety and security of lives and property in the Garden State.

The NJWxNet is one of a growing number of regional networks that have appeared in recent years to serve the ever growing needs of the local citizenry for high spatial and temporal resolution environmental information. Some of these networks are under the purview of state climate offices, and data from all networks are frequently used by state climatologists to address weather and climate issues and inquiries. The NJWxNet is a rather unique network of networks, in that it includes data gathered from over 40 stations operated by the ONJSC, along with more than 50 stations maintained by the National Weather Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the US Forest Service, the NJ Department of Transportation, the NJ Turnpike Authority, Stevens Institute of Technology and others. Within minutes of the observation being taken, the ONJSC processes the raw data into a common database. Quality-controlled data and derived products are made available for display in colorful maps and tables via the NJWxNet web site (http://climate.rutgers.edu/njwxnet).

As found within other state climate offices, ONJSC personnel have the technical expertise in station installation and maintenance, data management and display, and geographic information systems to operate an environmental network. State offices also possess the detailed knowledge of the weather and climate of their region to address applied issues or advise others how to best utilize network information for particular endeavors

This contribution will discuss the development, operation and future of the NJWxNet. Examples of the trials and tribulations of securing funds for the network, and of the myriad of network applications will be presented.