MesoWest 2.0: Providing Real-Time and Archival Surface Observations with a Modern and Interactive Website

MesoWest has aggregated data for over 43,000 surface observing stations since 1997, and it makes all of this real-time and archival data available through both an application programming interface (API) and a multi-featured website. In updating the website to leverage the API as a backend, we have started from scratch to develop new features and a more modern user interface. These features include placing more emphasis on weather near the user, allowing for more effective comparisons between multiple stations, and allowing the user more personalization through the storing of recently viewed and saved maps and stations. As part of the redevelopment process, platform independence has been a priority, such that the same functionality that is available when viewed on a desktop computer is also present when viewed on a mobile device. As the scope of aggregated stations increases, the types of stations also become more diverse. Recently, we have begun receiving air quality data, including surface ozone and 2.5 micron particulate matter (PM2.5) which will be shown in the new MesoWest interface.