WMO TECO-2024 Conference Programme

Recognizing the environmental impacts of operational weather monitoring programs, the WMO launched an initiative to promote and advance the environmental sustainability of observing systems and methods in late 2021. Under the guidance of INFCOM and with the Meteorological Service of Canada in a leadership role, this initiative has progressed through engagement and collaboration among the WMO, national meteorological and hydrological services and the vendor community. This presentation will provide a summary of key milestones and takeaways from the environmental sustainability initiative since its inception, providing a transition point as it enters a new phase of leadership under INFCOM’s Study Group on Environmental Sustainability (SG-EnvS).

The environmental impact of radiosondes is a topic of growing interest. However, research has focused only on certain aspects of radiosonde design and no holistic evaluation of this topic has been carried out. We try to advocate for a more complete model of radiosonde sustainability and provide unique new approaches that can benefit the whole community.

This study evaluates an environmentally friendly antifreeze formulation composed of propylene glycol (PG) and ethanol (E), identifying a 50/50 mixture as effective down to -40°C. The inclusion of an oil layer, specifically Anderol, was crucial in mitigating ethanol evaporation. The findings establish optimal antifreeze ratios and emphasize the role of protective oil layers in ensuring precise precipitation measurements in cold environments.

The presentation will introduce the R2HOME glidersonde: the combination of a glider and a radiosonde that autonomously returns to its launch site after releasing at 30,000m altitude. The results of a 10-flight test campaign with MeteoSwiss in Payerne will be revealed.

Météo-France aims to reduce the environmental impact of its observing facilities within its new corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. Two major advances will be shown. A recent pursuit concerns upper-air observation with the use of more environmentally friendly radiosondes as well as lighter balloons. Furthermore, a new generation of wooden buoy is being designed for marine observation.

The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) initiative aims to enhance observations in developing countries where there is a lack of trained workers. In such areas, it is very important that the solution is simple and user friendly and can be used and maintained with limited technical skills. This presentation will discuss the main aspects of a truly sustainable and comprehensive solution that will meet SOFF targets and more. Sustainable organizations seek sustainability in everything they do, from environmental stewardship in their buildings and manufacturing processes to the longevity of their products. A truly sustainable solution minimizes the environmental impact on the solution users.

This multi-year research project independently tested and analyzed 10 all-in-one instruments from different manufacturers alongside reference sensors used in operational research weather stations. The statistical results of the comparisons of their meteorological measurements and discussion of technological issues, engineering improvements, construction durability, operational challenges and potential uses will be presented.

A comparison of thermometer radiation shields in the Arctic was planned, organized, conducted and analyzed as part of the COAT project. Ten different radiation shields were included in this comparison, requiring readings from 41 thermometers for 14 months. All the thermometers were calibrated just before and after the field campaign, in which ancillary instrumentation was also included. The talk describes the comparison, the analysis procedure and the main conclusions.

Thermometers in air exhibit a radiative error that is a function of the sensor diameter. We present a study interpreting the temperature readings across thermometers of differing diameters and types, with reference to a non-contact thermometer which, in principle, is insensitive to radiative effects, to estimate the impact of thermometer diameter on the observation record.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology is in the process of upgrading its automated weather observation network with new logging equipment at over 700 weather stations and replacing older wooden Stevenson screens with more modern plastic screens. To ensure the integrity of the temperature record, parallel observations are being undertaken at more than 100 sites across Australia and the Antarctic. Understanding the effects of these changes, such as retention of water on the screen based on the materials used in the screens, and the influence of ventilation across climatic zones is critical to understanding and securing the climate record. This paper will provide the background to the study, the challenges in establishing a continental study and early results from test stations.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has run ultrasonic anemometers in its nationwide AMeDAS automatic weather station (AWS) network since 2021, replacing conventional windmill-type anemometers. As of April 2024, these are in operation at 433 of the organization’s 687 AWSs. This presentation details the background to anemometer installation, evaluation testing and quality control.

Cloud cover measurement uncertainties are a persistent issue for a variety of applications. Cloud amount time series retrieved from a ceilometer, longwave radiometer and an all-sky infrared camera are investigated at a site in Boulder, Colorado. Sources of uncertainty are identified and some mitigation strategies to improve cross-instrument agreement are discussed.

Recent work has demonstrated that few, if any, commercially available PRT sensors meet the WMO commendation for time constant of 20 seconds or less. We present the results of independent testing at two laboratories, demonstrating that a new sensor by Campbell Scientific is well below this recommendation, even at low airflow.

This report compares the rainfall recorded in the 2023 rain season by two optical rain gauge models, namely PWD22 and FD71P with the operational tipping bucket rain gauge (SL3-1) at Hong Kong International Airport. It also provides a preliminary assessment of their accuracy.

Three years of raindrop size distribution (DSD) measurements from two disdrometer stations in Metro Manila were collected during the Southwest monsoon period to develop quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) relations for dual-polarimetric radars. Observed DSD properties for stratiform and convective rainfall were discussed. The T-matrix scattering method was also demonstrated to effectively simulate radar parameters from the observed DSDs, with localized dual-polarimetric estimators enhancing QPE accuracy. This study offers potential improvements in radar-based rainfall monitoring in the region.

The ISO TC/146 SC5/WG 11 (Radiosonde) working group will present the initiation and progress of developing SI-traceable international standards for testing radiosonde temperature, humidity and solar correction at the laboratory level.

Due to the uncertainty of temperature measurement caused by the reflection of solar radiation from the ground, the net infrared radiation of the shield and the wind speed inside the shield, field experiments are designed to measure the influencing factors, and the uncertainty of the air temperature is evaluated.

Calibrating scatterometers for reliable visibility measurements is nontrivial, yet essential for a variety of safety applications. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) visibility standard consists of a scatterometer and a transmissometer that effectively measures low visibility (Bloemink, 2006). This transmissometer is being replaced and the key findings from parallel visibility measurements between the various instruments are presented, focusing on the meteorological optical range (MOR) during stable fog, without precipitation.

Sea ice is critical for global climate, weather patterns and unique ecosystems. Sustained sea-ice observations are essential to improve process understanding, models and maritime operations in the Arctic and Antarctic. To deliver high-quality, impactful sea-ice observations is a battle against sparse resources, a harsh environment and a mix of established and emerging techniques. Shared observation protocols and adherence to best practice are critical for any cryospheric observatory, such as CryoNet, which is coordinated by WMO’s Global Cryosphere Watch. This presentation encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, operational forecasters and instrument developers. By optimizing sea-ice observation methods through best practices, we can ensure reliable data against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Earth system.

An assessment of the random measurement uncertainty for eddy covariance estimates of mass and energy fluxes is presented. The case study of carbon exchanges between a forest and the atmosphere is shown, with the aim of developing a method compliant with metrological guidelines accepted worldwide.

During the last intersessional period (2018-2024) from WMO’s Expert Team on Surface and Subsurface Measurements (ET-SSM), a review of the siting classification scheme was performed, and additional guidance material was prepared. We’ll summarize this work and discuss SC-MINT’s roadmap for further optimization of the siting classification.

This talk will give an overview of NYSM and its maintenance and quality assurance procedures for delivering high-quality, high-volume data in real time. NYSM operations and maintenance (O&M) are designed to minimize outages while providing users with confidence in the quality of the data received.

The International Monitoring System (IMS) includes 321 monitoring stations that monitor the globe for nuclear events. We are looking to foster exchange of experience and good practices in sustaining such observing networks.

MET Malaysia is upgrading its surface observation maintenance equipment. The upgrade includes the procurement of field calibration equipment for PT-100 sensors and barometers. To accommodate the increased quantity and size of the equipment, MET Malaysia is using a pickup truck with a custom cargo box as its primary mode of transportation.

In this paper, calibration methods such as far-field radiation sources, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a metal sphere, S-band dual-polarization testbed radar and multi-radar collocated comparisons were investigated. After calibration at the Changsha Meteorological Radar Calibration Center, the radar detection performance and data quality have been significantly improved.

The quality of the observation of the sea along the Basque coast has been improved thanks to two coastal buoys. The data obtained is cross-referenced in this study with data collected by lifeguards and all possible means. The analyses make it possible to identify typical and atypical situations, improving preventive warnings on the Basque coast.

Wind and temperature mode selective enhanced surveillance aircraft estimates over Europe were assimilated into the Met Office global deterministic unified model. RMSE of wind, geopotential height and temperature reduced in Europe and the northern hemisphere. Careful consideration of thinning settings are required given the high density of this data.

The design and installation of an automatic weather station (AWS) is a significant and complex task. This presentation aims to describe the framework of a technical design specification, which is used by the Met Office as a single point of reference for national met service teams and third-party contractors. It will introduce the structure and key elements of the technical design specification and highlight the benefits leading to an efficient process for deploying an AWS.

The 3D-PAWS initiative brings together local meteorological organizations to independently fabricate, deploy and operate automatic weather stations at an affordable operational cost. Expanding observation networks with 3D meteorological stations will provide capacity development on observation networks, reducing weather-related risks, filling gaps in developing countries and supporting WMO Early Warnings for All initiative. This presentation will provide an overview of the 3D-PAWS evaluation of data quality at TSMS.

In 2007, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) spearheaded the establishment of a network of ‘amateur’ automatic weather stations (AWS) featuring compact weather sensors. In recent years, members of the public have called for weather forecasts with higher spatial resolution, not only down to the regional level but possibly even to the street level. Responding to these needs, in 2017 HKO began setting up microclimate stations in urban areas of Hong Kong to monitor, analyze and study urban microclimates. This presentation details the development history and evolution of the sensors in HKO’s microclimate observation network. Applications of microclimate temperature data in weather monitoring and forecasting will also be demonstrated.

Confidence in declarations regarding nationally determined contributions (NDCs), public or private environmental responsibilities and sustainable products is a challenge for quality infrastructure, including metrology and standards, together with monitoring, reporting and verification arrangements. The presentation proposes to build confidence in competition and cooperation among quality infrastructure actors.

This presentation shares some experiences and lessons learned in the provision of training in AWS operation and maintenance in the Pacific’s vast and diverse environment, and some pragmatic strategies that are emerging on the ground to help support the ongoing operation and maintenance of AWS, and ensure data collection and secure data management will continue into the future. 

China developed the Meteorological Observation Data-dictionary (MOD) standard for first-mile data collection from automatic observing stations. MOD combines the characteristics of Chinese meteorological observation development while incorporating and optimizing features of BUFR encoding, enabling self-descriptive, convenient and categorized encoding for observation, instrument status and metadata. Widely implemented in China’s meteorological network, MOD received positive feedback at the WMO workshop on first-mile standardization.

In the fast-changing technological environment, new requirements arise due to evolving needs for effective, timely weather monitoring, thus overwhelming the existing technical capacity of national meteorological training institutions in developing countries. The proposal highlights some challenges and suggests recommendations for sustainable capacity development.

This paper will review the development of the Argentine weather radar and the SINARAME network. It will present the principal challenges faced and milestones achieved, along with key performance indicators from Argentina’s national weather service that show the evolution of the early warning system during the last 10 years.

We present a new snowpack height sensor based on a 120GHz ultra-wideband (6GHz) FMCW radar, enabling high-resolution measurements even in harsh environmental conditions. We demonstrate its effectiveness with data collected over an entire winter season and discuss its potential for inferring snowpack surface wetness.

Weather over the Himalayan region is a complex interaction of synoptic and mesoscale forcing interacting with terrain. Considering this, and to fill the gap areas in hilly regions, the India Meteorological Department has recently installed 10 x-band Doppler weather radars (DWR) at crucial sites in states/union territories, namely Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Delhi. Installation of these radars has considerably helped the monitoring of extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, snowstorms and thunderstorms and enabled the issuance of timely warnings and advisories, helping to mitigate the impact of these events on communities and infrastructure.

As part of the automation of the climate monitoring network for Ireland, Met Éireann compared the Pluvio rain gauge with a standard Mk2 5in manual rain gauge at 15 sites around Ireland over multiple years. A significant under-catch on the part of the Pluvio was observed at all stations – around 3% of daily rainfall totals. Installing a windshield at one station had a limited effect on performance.

The Expert Team on Operational Weather Radar (ET-OWR) of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has completed seven of eight volumes of its Operational Guide to Weather Radar Best Practices (BPG). The scope addressed in this first edition comprises the end to end of a complete weather radar system, starting with the planning and sustainable resourcing of a national weather radar program, ending with a radar-based quantitative precipitation estimate (QPE), and including standardized data representation and international exchange.

This presentation discusses how solid-state technology differs from traditional magnetron and klystron technologies, both in theory and practice. Impact of the new technology on radar specifications is examined in detail, and the presentation will suggest methods for defining objective, performance-based specifications, which consider the special characteristics of solid-state technology.

This presentation describes preliminary results from a distributed network (DN) of Marlin-Yug temperature profiling buoys operated by the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute's North Pole-41 expedition from October 2022 to May 2024, with the ice-strengthened vessel North Pole as the central point. The DN and observations are similar to those of the MOSAiC 2019-2020 expedition and the YOPP special observing periods and aim to cover the WIGOS gaps in the Eurasian Arctic. Sea ice temperature profile variability and derived parameters are described based on near bi-seasonal freeze-thaw observations, complemented by technical details of buoy deployment and lifetime.

This presentation introduces the ground-based weather radar and space-based weather radar in China. CMA began to build a new-generation Chinese weather radar in 1990. Today, there are 252 new-generation weather radars in China, including 135 S-band and 117 C-band. Meanwhile, CMA launched its first precipitation mission, named FY-3G, in April 2023. The radar measurements from the ground and space enhance the ability to monitor severe weather.