The National Weather Service is nearing completion of the production phase of the ASOS Program. With over 900 systems successfully deployed across the country, efforts have turned toward upgrading existing meteorological sensors to take advantage of state-of-the-art capabilities. A structured Planned Product Improvement process has been implemented. The implementation process for all new sensors consists of five basic steps: concept exploration, procurement and testing of pre- production sensors, software integration, operational test & evaluation, and production deployment.
Three separate efforts have been identified as the highest priorities for the National Weather Service. An automated sunshine sensor is being procured to replace the currently fielded 1950's vintage manual sensor. A replacement for the existing dew point sensor is being procured to eliminate many of the problems with chilled mirror technology. Sonic wind sensors, with no moving parts, are being considered for system-wide implementation to greatly reduce the data loss caused by frozen sensors. Additionally, efforts are underway to upgrade the communications and processing capabilities of the ASOS. For the longer term, gauges capable of accurately measuring all forms of precipitation, and sensors capable of detecting drizzle, ice pellets and hail are being explored