Forecasting weather in Texas is becoming very challenging due to its very diverse climate and atypical seasonal weather patterns. Compounding this is a deficient weather collection system that is incapable of monitoring existing conditions effectively. Without targeted improvements in the availablity of weather and climate data, significant advancements in mesoscale weather forecasting may not be possible.
During the last two years the Texas MesoNet Program has gathered momentum toward the realization of a automated near real-time monitoring network for Texas. Without the strong support from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Texas A&M University, and the Lower Colorado River Authority, this program would not be able to continue. We are forming partnerships with other academic institutions, state agencies, and the private sector to bring these improvements to Texas. Much much more remains to be done -- as of summer 1998 the program remains unfunded.
Today, the National Weather Service provides routine weather observations for about 20 percent of the 254 Texas counties. Nearly half of these are along the I-35 Corridor (from Dallas-Fort Worth to San Antonio). Upper air information comes from nine sites scattered across the state. Large data-voids exist. To improve weather and climate availability across Texas we propose the MesoNet -- a mix of automated surface weather sites (with at least one in every county and number offshore in the Gulf of Mexico) and lower atmosphere profilers. If funded by Summer 1999, the first phase can be incrementally deployed to ensure automated weather monitoring is positioned in every county, along with 10 offshore, by the end of 2001.
The Texas MesoNet will create a greater awareness of real-time statewide weather conditions and complement existing environmental systems. It will provide reiable and timely weather information to improve severe weather and flood warnings and assist emergency managers to mitigate loss of life during disasters. MesoNet information will enhance safety in the coastal and offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico, provide critical information to allow safer fire control during prescribed burns, and enhance more efficient use of water resources. Electric utilities will be able to more effectively integrate weather into their daily operations and enhance customer service. Farmers and ranchers will have critical weather information to conduct agriculture activities such as planting, irrigation, pesticide application, and harvesting. K-12 will have comprehensive data for earth science programs and universities can apply this new data source to undergraduate and graduate programs, as they add value to research programs. It will result in accurate weather records for every area of the state, providing additional important tools for planners and decision-makers to the benefit of every citizen.