1981-2010 Normals

[dendrite]

Unless of course the $100,000 station is improperly sited which happens all the time. I don't distrust the values that BDLs sensors put out but I do question the siting of them. Somewhere in the late '80s/early '90s they changed the location of their AWOS station. It used to be in a more open area across from the actual runway. When they moved it, it definately introduced a warm bias. You can have the most expensive equipment going, but if it's sited wrong, the values are not going to be correct. There are going to be in the ball park which is fine for public safety, but I feel it doesn't help public confidence when it comes to the climate.

I agree with you about most home stations. I really question the readings of some "professional" stations which is why I stil rely on manual methods. It's hard to manipulate a mercury or alcohol thermometer in a cotton shelter as opposed to a tiny "vented" cup. I would say a good percentage spike way too high most sunny afternoons.

Most of the home stations with a FARS are free of temp spikes as long as they're not sited near radiating objects.

The ASOS stations are sited fairly well though.You can go through all of these listed sites and not find many that are poor.

http://www4.ncdc.noa...wwdi~ASOSPhotos

[CapturedNature]

Most of the home stations with a FARS are free of temp spikes as long as they're not sited near radiating objects.

The ASOS stations are sited fairly well though.You can go through all of these listed sites and not find many that are poor.

http://www4.ncdc.noa...wwdi~ASOSPhotos

I know that FARS are WMO acceptable, but what's wrong with a big box? I guess as long as we're getting good data...most home stations are ±2°F accurate, FWIW.

BTW, you can find more sites at http://www.surfacestations.org/

I don't know where they moved BDLs AWOS, but I hope it's not in a place like Honolulu's lol. Is that a paved road a few feet from the temp sensor? Sorry for bringing the topic off-course!