Vehicles as Mobile Weather Observation Systems

Abstract

Anyone who has recently purchased a new car or truck knows that vehicles are now very sophisticated and full of computer-controlled systems and advanced consumer electronics. What many people do not realize is that modern passenger vehicles contain data-management systems that monitor nearly every operation, from controlling engine performance to recording seat belt use, headlamp status, door positions, and hundreds of other parameters. Most vehicles also measure air temperature and pressure, and an increasing number have solar and rain sensors. Can these data be accessed, processed, and utilized by the transportation and weather enterprise to improve weather diagnostics and predictions? The authors not only believe they can, but they are actively engaged in research, development, and outreach programs to make this a reality. High-resolution spatial and temporal observations are crucial to advance our understanding of meso- and microscale meteorology, improve weather forecasts and products, and ultimately protect life and property. Over the last few decades, significant strides have been made to increase the quality and quantity of weather observations. Recently, the National Research Council (NRC) report, “Observing Weather and Climate from the Ground Up: A Nationwide Network of Networks,” focused attention on the U.S. national needs and progress toward development of a nationwide “network of networks” observational system. Arguably, one of the most promising possibilities envisioned in the NRC report is the potential