The Texas MesoNet is a vision shared by professional meteorologists and lay citizens who are users of weather and climate information. Texas is a weather-sensitive state and the quality of life and economic efficiency can be improved by making targeted improvements in weather and climate data availability and access. We will show a timeline of our efforts from concept to reality and note our partnerships between other academic institutions, state agencies, and the private sector -- all in concert to generate substantial economic and quality of life benefits for the citizens of Texas.
Comparisons will be made of existing versus planned automated weather sites, noting that less than 20 percent of the 254 Texas counties have routine real-time observation and dissemination capability. We then examine the Texas MesoNet, a network of closely spaced automated surface stations with a mix of lower atmosphere profilers. Our first project, PilotNet will be reviewed, followed by short discussion of where we are today. We conclude with a discussion of our incremental deployment concept to place automated observing sites in every county and the offshore waters by 2001.
MesoNet data are anticipated to produce a new awareness of statewide weather conditions for a spectrum of applications -- improved severe weather and flood warnings, more effective emergency management and disaster mitigation planning, enhanced fire control, more efficient use of water resources, and accurate records to quantify drought severity. For the first time, farmers and ranchers will have nearly instant access to reliable and timely weather data as they conduct agriculture activities such as planting, irrigation, pesticide application, and harvesting. Benefits to others will also be included: electric utility companies, offshore marine industry, K-12 classrooms, undergraduate programs and value-added to research programs at universities. In short, a source for planning and decision-making for all weather sensitive industries.