The American Association of State Climatologists' Recommendations and Best Practices for Mesonets

Over recent decades, mesoscale networks of automated, in-situ stations for weather monitoring have been developed across diverse regional settings. These networks, commonly referred to as mesonets, have originated independently, are funded at various levels and through various mechanisms, and serve a variety of constituencies and needs. While sharing commonalities, each network has unique strategic, design, and operational elements. As sensor and communications technologies evolve and the demand for environmental data to support decision making grows, mesonets are expected to play an increasing role in support of weather and climate services.

Currently, there exists inconsistent functional practices and metadata reporting among mesonets. Two subcommittees were formed within the American Association of State Climatologists (AASC) to provide guidance for mesonets regarding functional practices and metadata reporting based on the needs of and supported by scientific research from the mesoscale weather and climate community. As a result, the AASC recently approved a "Recommendations and Best Practices for Mesonets" document that includes recommendations for siting, sampling and reporting procedures, sensor performance, maintenance, quality control, and system reliability. Details of these recommendations will be presented.