National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Powerful Storms to Impact the Western U.S. and Northern Plains

A strong, long-duration atmospheric river will bring excessive rainfall, flash flooding, and very strong winds to southwest Oregon and northwest California through Thursday. A High Risk (level 4 of 4) of Excessive Rainfall has been issued. A storm system over the northern Plains will produce locally heavy snow in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Read More >

Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS)

 

Picture of an ASOS station

 

The ASOS program is a joint effort of the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense (DoD). The ASOS systems serves as the nation’s primary surface weather observing network. ASOS is designed to support weather forecast activities and aviation operations and, at the same time, support the needs of the meteorological, hydrological,and climatological research communities. For complete details on the ASOS program, click here.


Our Electronic Systems Analyst and Electronic Technicians responsible for ASOS equipment maintenance.

 
To view current observations from the ASOS equipment (and buoys) in our County Warning Area, click here. This equipment provides information on the following basic weather elements:
  • Sky condition:cloud height and amount (clear, scattered, broken, overcast) up to 12,000 feet   
  • Visibility (to at least 10 statute miles)
  • Basic present weather information: type and intensity for rain, snow, and freezing rain
  • Obstructions to vision: fog, haze
  • Pressure: sea-level pressure, altimeter setting
  • Ambient temperature, dew point temperature
  • Wind: direction, speed and character (gusts, squalls)
  • Precipitation accumulation

CLICK HERE to go to the next tour (Radar)