The New England Weather Observation Network: A 21st Century Vision for Environmental Monitoring and Science Education in the New England States

In late 1998, the state climatologists from the New England states, officials representing the five National Weather Service Forecast Offices serving New England, and other interested scientists, gathered to discuss the need for a high resolution weather observation system across the six-state region. There was unanimous agreement among these scientists that the implementation of a densely-spaced network of automated weather observing stations within New England would benefit the quality-of-life of New Englanders, expand the climate record, and provide strong economic and educational benefits to the community.

This paper will present the vision of bringing 21st Century environmental monitoring to New England in the form of the New England Weather Observation Network. The network has the capability to help protect life and property, to save New England businesses and citizens money by reducing energy consumption, and to help weather-sensitive industries monitor the climate and environment at more frequent and densely spaced intervals than ever before. The New England Weather Observation Network will also help our scientists of the future by giving students valuable data to reinforce scientific and mathematical foundations taught in grades K-12 and in higher education.