Around the clock weather

Posted at 1:25 PM on July 31, 2008 by Craig Edwards

Weather is a twenty-four hour a day business. National Weather Service offices are staffed with meteorologists who monitor conditions for the public safety, fire weather danger, aviation safety and hydrologic conditions.

A meteorologist has a specific duty to deliver accurate and timely weather information for regional airports. Based on radar, satellite, computer models and local observations forecasts are prepared out to twenty-four hours with details on cloud coverage, height of clouds, wind speed and direction, precipitation type and intensity. These forecasts are called Terminal Aviation Forecast (TAF).

Aviation Weather Center

Local area Terminal Aviation Forecasts

In addition, the National Weather Service has placed meteorologists at the regional Air Route Traffic Control Centers. There is a center in Farmington, Minnesota. Collaboration occurs with regional and national centers, as well as some airline meteorological departments.

On Wednesday we chatted with Tom Fahey, the director of meteorological operations for Northwest Airlines. Check out our jetstreaming podcast on the importance of accurate weather information to help keep your flight safe and on time.

MPR Jet Streaming podcast
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