Decision Support Systems for the Delmarva Based upon Delaware Environmental Observing System Observations

Meso-scale meteorological observing networks (mesonets) are of great importance in providing real-time, in situ, meteorological and land-surface data to a number of important constituencies across the United States. These data are most commonly used to track current atmospheric conditions, to monitor climate, and as input to operational weather forecast models. In addition, the data from these networks are used as input into diverse decision support systems that inform federal, regional and state decision makers, the agricultural community, and emergency management to name just a few.

The Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) has been operational across Delaware, and parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland for more than 15 years. Several decision support systems that utilize mesonet data have been developed for the State and region. These systems include those to monitor snowfall, to schedule irrigation, to monitor coastal flooding and to warn of extreme weather that will be impacting the State. The use of these decision support systems by diverse constituencies will be discussed in the context of Delaware’s geographic and demographic environment.