Please report to this folder for more information: ASOS Memorandum

Airport Managers and Security Access Controllers Equipped with ASOS 

March 20, 2025

From the Automated Surface Observing System National Program Manager. This message serves to address a key operational need that has emerged as the National Weather Service (NWS) has recently restructured its Weather Forecasting Offices (WFOs) into collaborative support "pods." In an effort to mitigate critical staffing shortages and enhance the maintenance of Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS), these pods are responsible for assisting one another with necessary repairs, maintenance tasks, and other operational requirements.

However, following the implementation of this new structure, we have received valuable feedback from some offices regarding the need for greater flexibility from our airport partners in coordinating the escorting of visiting NWS Electronics Technicians (ETs) to perform essential ASOS maintenance. Given the time-sensitive nature of these maintenance tasks, we are requesting your cooperation in ensuring smooth and efficient access for our technicians when local office personnel are unavailable.

Background:

To address workforce shortages and maintain ASOS systems, NWS has adopted a collaborative approach, where multiple WFOs support one another in managing and performing maintenance tasks. This includes providing essential on-site assistance for system repairs, troubleshooting, and regular maintenance activities. On occasion, this requires NWS technicians to visit airport locations that are outside of their local office area, necessitating escort support from airport personnel to access specific areas of the facility and airfield.

Request for Flexibility:

We understand that airport security protocols are important, and the coordination of unbadged personnel requires careful consideration. However, in response to critical staffing constraints and the urgent need to maintain ASOS systems, we kindly ask for your flexibility in supporting the escorting of unbadged NWS technicians when local WFO personnel are unavailable.

Specific Areas of Focus:

Timeliness and Urgency: ASOS systems are vital to accurate weather observation, airfield operations, and forecasting. Delays in addressing system outages or preventative maintenance could have significant impacts. Therefore, we may have to request escort coordination to ensure technicians can complete corrective and or preventive maintenance in a timely manner to prevent interruptions to observations and airfield operations.

Flexibility in Security Protocols: In rare instances we may request for some flexibility in terms of escorting unbadged personnel for maintenance purposes, understanding that this process may require exceptions to standard security procedures for critical operational needs.

Conclusion:

We highly value our partnership with the airport community and recognize the importance of ensuring that security and operational protocols are respected. At the same time, the NWS is committed to maintaining ASOS systems to support public safety, airfield operations, and weather forecasting. We hope to collaborate with you in a way that balances both operational needs and security requirements, and appreciate your willingness to adapt as we continue working through these staffing challenges.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation on this important matter. Should you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to suad.asos.pmo@noaa.gov or submit an entry into the Public Form - ASOS Issue Report at https://weather.gov/asos.”

Air and Dew Point Temperature Sensor Replacement National Deployment

The ASOS program will deploy replacement Temperature and Dew Point sensors at all ASOS sites throughout 2025 with Vaisala HMP 155E probes. ASOS, a Tri-Agency Program with the DOC, DOT, and DoD, must coordinate sensor sustainment activities across all three agencies. Current sensors, the DTS-1 and HO-83/1088, are over 20 years old. The DTS-1 is unsupported since 31 August 2020, and the HO-83/1088 is costly to maintain with reliability issues.

The ASOS Program approved the HMP-155E dual probe design for air temperature (Ta) and relative humidity (RH), from which dew point temperature (Td) is derived. Referred to as the TRH project, the design was operationally tested and recommended for full deployment in November 2024. Deployment progress will be tracked in a monthly updated file.