Asynoptic high resolution upper-air data for high impact weather events

Witsaman et al. (6th AMS Fire and Forest Meteorology Symposium, 2005) discuss the use of aircraft sensors for high resolution (vertical 4 hPa, temporal 15 minute) profiles of temperature, dew point temperature, wind, and pressure in support of weather forecasts for wildland fire or hazardous materials operations. This paper compares the aircraft observations from Witsaman et al. to other potential sources of vertical profiles for three different test flights, one on 14 April 2005 and two on 21 April 2005. The aircraft profiles compare favorably to the Ledbetter, TX, NOAA Profiler, which the aircraft flew over on 14 April 2005, and was within 60 km of on 21 April 2005. In addition, the closest available Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) analysis soundings (approx. 35 km from the 14 April site and 20 km from the 21 April site) also indicate the aircraft data profiles are representative of conditions in the area. In summary, high resolution aircraft profiles can be a valuable source of weather information for high impact weather events such as wildland fires or hazardous materials operations, especially at remote locations where other sources of vertical profile data may not be available.