Reliable ASOS in the winter | Weather Observers

tornado
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Posts: 2,471

Reliable ASOS in the winter Jan 22, 2018 16:27:04 GMT -5

Quote

Post by tornado on Jan 22, 2018 16:27:04 GMT -5

Lincoln, Nebraska:
SPECI KLNK 222046Z 34028G41KT 1/4SM R36/1600V2200FT FZFG
VV009 M02/M03 A2958 RMK AO2 PK WND 33044/1958
SNEMM P0001 T10171028 $
SPECI KLNK 222004Z 34026G44KT 1/4SM R36/2600V3500FT +SN FZFG
VV013 M02/M03 A2953 RMK AO2 PK WND 33044/1958
P0000 T10171028

ASOS dropped the snow. The radar at 2045Z clearly showed snow over LNK:

coldlover
Senior Member

Posts: 436

Reliable ASOS in the winter Jan 24, 2018 21:59:07 GMT -5

Quote

Post by coldlover on Jan 24, 2018 21:59:07 GMT -5

Spencer,IA ASOS. ASOS thinks the BR freezing on the sensor is -SN or something else. Regardless, the nearest actual -SN is over 400 miles away in the UP of Michigan.

KSPW 250214Z AUTO 16010KT 2 1/2SM -SN BR OVC002 M02/M03 A3013 RMK AO2 UPB03E06SNB06 P0000 T10221033

Last Edit: Jan 24, 2018 21:59:31 GMT -5 by coldlover

coldlover
Senior Member

Posts: 436

Reliable ASOS in the winter Jan 25, 2018 4:08:28 GMT -5 tornado likes this

Quote

Post by coldlover on Jan 25, 2018 4:08:28 GMT -5

and now Spencer ASOS likes FZRA even though the closest real reports of precip are near 700 miles away. You can't make this stuff up and ASOS cannot handle winter weather period> The NWS knows ASOS is a joke but just lends a blind eye and if any of the many "issues" with ASOS are brought up to NWS they just brush it off that they "can dial in". What about a pilot?

KSPW 250853Z AUTO 09006KT 1/4SM -FZRA FZFG VV002 M02/M03 A3009 RMK AO2 UPB02E51FZRAE02B51 SLP207 P0000 60000 I1000 I3005 T10171033 55003
KSPW 250808Z AUTO 11004KT 1/4SM UP FZFG VV002 M02/M03 A3008 RMK AO2 UPB02FZRAE02 P0000 I1000 T10171028
KSPW 250753Z AUTO 12004KT 1/4SM -FZRA FZFG VV002 M02/M03 A3009 RMK AO2 SLP206 P0000 I1003 T10171028
KSPW 250653Z AUTO 12006KT 1/4SM -FZRA FZFG VV002 M02/M02 A3009 RMK AO2 SLP207 P0000 I1002 T10171022
KSPW 250642Z AUTO 12006KT 1/4SM -FZRA FZFG VV002 M01/M02 A3010 RMK AO2 P0000 I1002 T10111017
KSPW 250553Z AUTO 15008KT 1/2SM -FZRA FZFG VV002 M02/M02 A3010 RMK AO2 SLP211 P0000 60000 I1002 I6004 T10171022 11017 21050 410171056 58007
KSPW 250536Z AUTO 14006KT 1/4SM -FZRA FZFG VV002 M02/M02 A3011 RMK AO2 P0000 I1001 T10171022
KSPW 250520Z AUTO 16008KT 1/2SM -FZRA FZFG VV002 M02/M03 A3011 RMK AO2 P0000 I1000 T10171028
KSPW 250502Z AUTO 13006KT 1/4SM -FZRA FZFG VV002 M02/M02 A3011 RMK AO2 P0000 I1000 T10171022
KSPW 250453Z AUTO 15005KT 1/2SM -FZRA FZFG VV002 M02/M03 A3011 RMK AO2 UPB07E12FZRAB12 SLP216 P0000 I1002 T10171028
KSPW 250451Z AUTO 15006KT 1/2SM -FZRA FZFG VV002 M02/M02 A3011 RMK AO2 UPB07E12FZRAB12 P0000 I1001
KSPW 250435Z AUTO 15005KT 1/4SM -FZRA FZFG VV002 M02/M03 A3012 RMK AO2 UPB07E12FZRAB12 P0000 I1001 T10221028
KSPW 250418Z AUTO 15006KT 1/2SM -FZRA FZFG VV002 M02/M03 A3012 RMK AO2 UPB07E12FZRAB12 P0000 I1001 T10221028

Last Edit: Jan 25, 2018 4:25:01 GMT -5 by coldlover

tornado
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Posts: 2,471

Reliable ASOS in the winter Jan 25, 2018 16:25:08 GMT -5

Quote

Post by tornado on Jan 25, 2018 16:25:08 GMT -5

Storm Lake, Iowa:
METAR KSLB 252035Z AUTO 12010KT 1/2SM BR VV005 M01/M01 A2999
RMK AO2
METAR KSLB 251955Z AUTO 12008KT 2 1/2SM -UP CLR M01/M01 A3000
RMK AO2

I'm not sure which was worse: the mist with 1/2SM visibility, or the -UP with clear skies.
Like coldlover said earlier, nothing on radar:

Hardin County Airport, Savannah, Tennessee:
METAR KSNH 252115Z AUTO VRB06KT 1/2SM HZ VV005 15/M03 A3043
RMK A01
METAR KSNH 252055Z AUTO 17007KT 10SM CLR 15/M03 A3043 RMK
A01

Haze glitch.

Last Edit: Jan 25, 2018 16:30:49 GMT -5 by tornado

tornado
God

Posts: 2,471

Reliable ASOS in the winter Jan 26, 2018 11:03:44 GMT -5

Quote

Post by tornado on Jan 26, 2018 11:03:44 GMT -5

Provo, Utah:
SPECI KPVU 261103Z AUTO 00000KT 1/2SM FEW001 BKN095 M06/M07
A3010 RMK AO2
METAR KPVU 261056Z AUTO 10003KT 1/4SM FEW001 SCT095 M06/M07
A3009 RMK AO2 SLP213 T10611072
SPECI KPVU 261049Z AUTO 08003KT 1/4SM VV001 M06/M07 A3009
RMK AO2
SPECI KPVU 261042Z AUTO 00000KT 1/4SM CLR M06/M07 A3009 RMK
AO2
SPECI KPVU 261033Z AUTO 00000KT 1/2SM FEW070 M06/M07 A3009
RMK AO2 VIS 1/4V1 3/4
SPECI KPVU 260901Z AUTO 13004KT 1/2SM SCT002 SCT090 M05/M06
A3006 RMK AO2
METAR KPVU 260856Z AUTO 14005KT 1/4SM VV002 M05/M06 A3006
RMK AO2 SLP193 T10501061 51010
SPECI KPVU 260854Z AUTO 13005KT 1/4SM FEW002 SCT028 M05/M06
A3006 RMK AO2
SPECI KPVU 260846Z AUTO 12004KT 1/2SM FEW002 M04/M06 A3006
RMK AO2=
SPECI KPVU 260843Z AUTO 00000KT 3/4SM FEW028 M04/M05 A3006
RMK AO2 VIS 1/2V4
SPECI KPVU 260447Z AUTO 16004KT 3/4SM SCT003 BKN010 OVC019
M01/M02 A2998 RMK AO2 CIG 008V012

ASOS did not report an obstruction to vision, with visibilities as low as 1/4SM.

tornado
God

Posts: 2,471

Reliable ASOS in the winter Jan 30, 2018 10:16:27 GMT -5

Quote

Post by tornado on Jan 30, 2018 10:16:27 GMT -5

Dothan, Alabama:
METAR KDHN 301653Z AUTO A3041 RMK AO2 SLPNO RVRNO $
METAR KDHN 301553Z AUTO RMK AO2 SLPNO PWINO RVRNO $
METAR KDHN 301453Z AUTO RMK AO2 SLPNO PWINO RVRNO $

ASOS produced no useful data, except for the altimeter setting at 1653Z. Of course,
LAWRS should have been logged on at those times, backing up the missing data.

Santa Rosa, California:
SPECI KSTS 301359Z AUTO 00000KT 1SM BR VV001 01/01 A3016
RMK AO2 T00110011 $
METAR KSTS 301353Z AUTO 00000KT 3/4SM BR 02/02 A3016 RMK
AO2 SLP207 T00170017 $
SPECI KSTS 301346Z AUTO 00000KT 1SM BR 02/02 A3015 RMK AO2
T00170017 $
SPECI KSTS 301310Z AUTO 00000KT 1/4SM FG 02/02 A3015 RMK
AO2 T00170017 $
SPECI KSTS 301300Z AUTO 00000KT 1/4SM FG VV001 02/02 A3015
RMK AO2 T00170017 $

The sky condition was missing for 3 reports, in the midst of a 100-foot ceiling.

Joliet, Illinois:
METAR KJOT 291655Z AUTO 36010G16KT 10SM -RA OVC025 M02/M08
A3045 RMK AO2 T10241077
METAR KJOT 291315Z AUTO 36008G16KT 10SM -RA OVC017 M02/M06
A3041 RMK AO2 T10251056

ASOS reported liquid rain with the temperature below freezing (-2°C/28°F).

Bar Harbor, Maine:
METAR KBHB 301656Z AUTO 1/4SM +SN FZFG BKN009 OVC012 M09/M11
A2985 RMK AO2 SLP113 T10891106 FZRANO RVRNO PNO

ASOS dropped the wind data, during low IFR conditions.

Hyannis, Massachusetts:
SPECI KHYA 301433Z 36019G29KT 1/2SM FZFG SCT009 OVC016 M02/M04
A2979 RMK AO2 PK WND 36033/1405 T10221039 $
METAR KHYA 301356Z 35016G35KT 1/2SM FZFG OVC010 M02/M03 A2979
RMK AO2 PK WND 01035/1313 SNEMMB51E52 SLP091 P0001
T10171033 $

ASOS dropped the snow, even though southeastern Massachusetts was covered in snow,

according to the 1430Z radar:

The radar depiction on the right is a loop, click on it to animate. It still showed snow over HYA,
while HYA did not report snow:

METAR KHYA 301556Z 35018G30KT 1/2SM FZFG BKN010 OVC015 M03/M04
A2977 RMK AO2 PK WND 01035/1505 SLP084 T10281044 $
SPECI KHYA 301503Z 35018G35KT 1/2SM FZFG BKN008 OVC015 M02/M04
A2977 RMK AO2 PK WND 34035/1501 T10221039 $
SPECI KHYA 301458Z 36019G34KT 1/4SM FZFG FEW007 BKN010 OVC015
M02/M04 A2978 RMK AO2 PK WND 36028/1457 T10221039 $
METAR KHYA 301456Z 35022G34KT 1/2SM FZFG BKN007 OVC014 M02/M03
A2977 RMK AO2 PK WND 34035/1440 SLP083 60001 T10221033
58002 $

That would be approaching blizzard conditions- except that snow didn't get reported!
Earlier, freezing rain was NOT reported by ASOS or LAWRS while the temperature was below freezing.

METAR KHYA 301156Z 01022G37KT 1 1/4SM -RA BR BKN007 OVC012
M01/M02 A2979 RMK AO2 PK WND 01037/1154 SLP089 P0000
60001 70002 I6000 T10061017 10022 21006 51003 $
SPECI KHYA 301152Z 01021G33KT 1 1/4SM -RA BR BKN009 OVC014
M01/M02 A2979 RMK AO2 PK WND 01034/1116 P0000 $
SPECI KHYA 301141Z 01021G33KT 1 1/2SM -RA BR OVC010 M01/M02
A2979 RMK AO2 PK WND 01034/1116 P0000 T10061017 $
SPECI KHYA 301130Z 01018G33KT 2SM -RA BR BKN011 OVC015 M01/M02
A2979 RMK AO2 PK WND 01034/1116 P0000 T10061017

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts:
SPECI KMVY 301819Z 34014G21KT 3/4SM R24/3000V4500FT BR FEW010
OVC014 M04/M05 A2981 RMK AO2 SNEMM P0000 T10391050 $
METAR KMVY 301753Z 33017G22KT 1 1/2SM R24/5000VP6000FT -SN
BR SCT012 OVC019 M05/M05 A2982 RMK AO2 PK WND
34026/1654 SLPNO P0000 60000 T10501050 11011 21050
50000 $

ASOS at MVY just had a present weather sensor failure. Snow still should have been reported,
based on the 1815Z radar:

Plymouth, Massachusetts:
METAR KPYM 301652Z AUTO 34014G20KT 1SM HZ FEW012 BKN017 OVC025
M04/M08 A2984 RMK AO2 SLP106 T10441078 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KPYM 301552Z AUTO 33017G21KT 3/4SM HZ OVC015 M04/M08
A2985 RMK AO2 SLP109 T10441078 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KPYM 301452Z AUTO 35013KT 1SM HZ OVC014 M05/M08 A2987
RMK AO2 SLP116 T10501078 58004 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KPYM 301352Z AUTO 35013G22KT 1SM HZ FEW014 OVC020 M05/M08
A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 35028/1255 SLP121 T10501078
PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KPYM 301252Z AUTO 35015G23KT 3/4SM BR FEW010 OVC016
M04/M06 A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 34028/1204 SLP118
T10391061 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KPYM 301152Z AUTO 35014G24KT 3/4SM BR VV007 M03/M04
A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 01026/1115 SLP120 60000 T10281044
10006 21028 53001 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KPYM 301052Z AUTO 36012G25KT 1/2SM FZFG VV006 M02/M04
A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 01027/0954 SNEMM SLP119 P0000
T10171039 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KPYM 300952Z AUTO 02017G28KT 1/2SM SN FZFG OVC007 M01/M03

A2987 RMK AO2 PK WND 01033/0913 SLP115 P0000 T10111028

Based on the radar depictions already shown for HYA, PYM also should have reported snow

after 0952Z. It didn’t do so because of a sensor outage (SNEMM/PWINO/$). SPECIs were

omitted.

Bemidji, Minnesota:
METAR KBJI 301935Z AUTO 16017G26KT 1 3/4SM HZ VV007 M09/M13
A2968 RMK AO2 VIS 1V3 T10901126
METAR KBJI 301915Z AUTO 15019G24KT 1 1/2SM HZ VV007 M09/M13
A2972 RMK AO2 T10951129
METAR KBJI 301855Z AUTO 15019G22KT 3SM HZ SCT065 SCT075 SCT085
M10/M13 A2974 RMK AO2 T11011133
METAR KBJI 301835Z AUTO 14015G21KT 2SM HZ SCT043 BKN048 OVC075
M11/M14 A2977 RMK AO2 T11061136
METAR KBJI 301815Z AUTO 14018G23KT 2SM HZ BKN048 OVC050 M11/M14
A2980 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/4V5 T11101139
METAR KBJI 301755Z AUTO 15016G23KT 1 3/4SM -SN SCT055 SCT070
BKN085 M11/M14 A2983 RMK AO2 VIS 1V3 T11151142
11115 21200

ASOS stopped reporting snow because of a sensor outage. At 1815Z, while ASOS reported only haze, radar showed

snow still over Bemidji:

Hallock Municipal Airport, Minnesota:
METAR KHCO 301735Z AUTO 16028G32KT 1/2SM -SN VV005 M08/M09
A2962 RMK AO2
METAR KHCO 301715Z AUTO 16027KT 1/2SM -SN VV005 M08/M10 A2966
RMK AO2
METAR KHCO 301655Z AUTO 15027G33KT 1/4SM -SN VV002 M09/M11
A2967 RMK AO2

ASOS reported light snow when, based on visibility readings, it should have reported
moderate or heavy snow.

Waskish Municipal Airport, Minnesota:
METAR KVWU 301735Z AUTO 14014G24KT 1SM +SN OVC003 M13/M14
A2985 RMK AO2
METAR KVWU 301615Z AUTO 14013G18KT 2SM +SN BKN011 OVC019
M13/M17 A2997 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/2V3

ASOS reported heavy snow when, based on the visibility, it should have reported light snow.

METAR KVWU 301915Z AUTO 14016G24KT 7SM -RA SCT014 SCT029
SCT075 M10/M13 A2969 RMK AO2
METAR KVWU 301855Z AUTO 14014G21KT 4SM RA OVC014 M11/M13
A2974 RMK AO2
METAR KVWU 301835Z AUTO 16008G19KT 7SM RA OVC016 M11/M14
A2980 RMK AO2
METAR KVWU 301815Z AUTO 16011G17KT 5SM -RA SCT005 OVC016
M12/M14 A2983 RMK AO2
METAR KVWU 301755Z AUTO 15011G21KT 2 1/2SM RA BKN003 OVC010
M12/M14 A2984 RMK AO2

With temperatures from -10°C to -12°C (14°F to 10°F), ASOS reported liquid rain instead of freezing rain,

some of which was of moderate intensity!

Update: not only did VWU ASOS report moderate drizzle with 3SM at 1955Z, the drizzle was not reported as

freezing with the temperature at 14°F!

METAR KVWU 301955Z AUTO 14022G32KT 3SM DZ SCT075 BKN090 M10/M13 A2958 RMK AO2

Westhampton Beach, New York:
METAR KFOK 301053Z AUTO 35012G19KT 1 1/4SM BR SCT007 OVC010
M03/M05 A2995 RMK AO2 SNEMM SLP142 P0000 T10331050
PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KFOK 301018Z AUTO 35010G19KT 1SM BR VV010 M03/M05 A2995
RMK AO2 SNEMM P0000 T10281050 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KFOK 300953Z AUTO 01017G23KT 3/4SM -SN BR VV009 M03/M05
A2994 RMK AO2 SLP140 P0000 T10281050

Snow stopped being reported after 0953Z, not because it ended, but because of a sensor outage.

The situation persisted through 1200Z:

SPECI KFOK 301201Z AUTO 35013KT 1SM BR VV010 M03/M06 A2996
RMK AO2 T10331056 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KFOK 301153Z AUTO 36012G21KT 3/4SM BR VV010 M03/M06
A2996 RMK AO2 SLP145 60000 T10331056 11017 21033
51007 PWINO FZRANO $

Coatesville, Pennsylvania:
METAR KMQS 301715Z AUTO 32014G20KT 1/4SM -SN OVC001 M03/M04
A3002 RMK AO2

ASOS should have reported heavy snow, instead of light snow.

Newport, Rhode Island:
METAR KUUU 301553Z AUTO 33018G23KT 1SM BR BKN011 OVC018 M04/M06
A2985 RMK AO2 PK WND 33026/1538 SLP110 T10441061
PWINO FZRANO $ (see 1600Z radar depiction)
SPECI KUUU 301543Z AUTO 33015G26KT 1SM BR BKN011 OVC017 M05/M07
A2985 RMK AO2 PK WND 33026/1538 T10501067 PWINO
FZRANO $
SPECI KUUU 301519Z AUTO 34016G25KT 3/4SM BR OVC010 M05/M07
A2986 RMK AO2 T10501067 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KUUU 301453Z AUTO 34016G25KT 3/4SM BR BKN008 OVC015
M06/M07 A2986 RMK AO2 PK WND 34027/1406 SLP113
60000 T10561067 58010 PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KUUU 301445Z AUTO 33013G21KT 3/4SM BR BKN008 OVC015
M06/M07 A2986 RMK AO2 PK WND 34027/1406 T10561067
PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KUUU 301433Z AUTO 35013G26KT 1/2SM FZFG SCT010 OVC015
M06/M07 A2987 RMK AO2 PK WND 34027/1406 T10561067
PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KUUU 301353Z AUTO 35013G25KT 1/2SM FZFG OVC013 M06/M07
A2989 RMK AO2 PK WND 34028/1319 SLP122 T10561067
PWINO FZRANO $ (see 1400Z radar depiction)
METAR KUUU 301253Z AUTO 34015G26KT 3/4SM BR OVC013 M06/M07
A2989 RMK AO2 PK WND 34028/1203 SNEMM SLP123 P0000
T10561067 PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KUUU 301251Z AUTO 34016G26KT 3/4SM BR BKN010 OVC015
M06/M07 A2989 RMK AO2 PK WND 34028/1203 SNEMM
P0000 PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KUUU 301229Z AUTO 35016G27KT 3/4SM BR SCT009 OVC016
M06/M07 A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 34028/1203 SNEMM
P0000 T10561067 PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KUUU 301203Z AUTO 35019G28KT 1 1/4SM -SN BR SCT011
OVC018 M06/M07 A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 34028/1203
P0000 T10561067

After the 1203Z SPECI, ASOS dropped the snow due to a present weather sensor outage (PWINO).
Compare the radars at 1400Z and 1600Z, to the METARs at 1353Z and 1553Z:

Westerly State Airport, Rhode Island:
METAR KWST 301453Z AUTO 34013G20KT 1SM BR BKN030 OVC038 M04/M06
A2990 RMK AO2 SLP126 T10391056 58010 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KWST 301353Z AUTO 34012G21KT 1SM BR BKN023 OVC036 M04/M06 A2992

RMK AO2 SLP131 T10441061 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KWST 301253Z AUTO 34013G20KT 1SM BR OVC023 M04/M06
A2992 RMK AO2 SLP133 T10441061 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KWST 301153Z AUTO 35010KT 1SM BR VV012 M04/M06 A2993
RMK AO2 SNEMM SLP136 P0001 60004 70005 T10441061
11011 21044 50004 PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KWST 301126Z AUTO 35012G18KT 3/4SM BR VV013 M04/M06
A2993 RMK AO2 SNEMM P0000 T10441061 PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KWST 301114Z AUTO 35010G19KT 3/4SM -SN BR VV016 M04/M06
A2993 RMK AO2 P0000 T10441061 $

This small airport was another ASOS site where snow stopped being reported due to a

sensor outage (SNEMM/PWINO/$) after 1114Z.

Last Edit: Jan 31, 2018 11:11:52 GMT -5 by tornado: Added 30/1200Z radar for KFOK

coldlover
Senior Member

Posts: 436

Reliable ASOS in the winter Jan 31, 2018 0:58:06 GMT -5 tornado likes this

Quote

Post by coldlover on Jan 31, 2018 0:58:06 GMT -5

St. Cloud, MN LAWRS. While it's possible the temp is accurate, I highly doubt it as STC is currently 44 and 16F warmer then Princeton 20 some miles to the E. (not shown on this map). Then LAWRS signs off ASOS and the temp goes missing. But the facilitator at my SRMP said ATC provides the same level of service? Then why wasn't ATC going outside to the manually report the temp? Oh yeah. They can't. The sad thing is they didn't even realize the temp was in error.

KSTC 310553Z AUTO 23004KT 10SM OVC100 A2959 RMK AO2 SLPNO 10078 20000 400781189 51002 $
KSTC 310453Z 18008KT 10SM CLR 07/M07 A2959 RMK AO2 SLP042 T00671067
KSTC 310353Z 19008KT 10SM FEW100 SCT110 07/M07 A2961 RMK AO2 SLP049 T00671072
KSTC 310253Z 17014G21KT 10SM BKN110 03/M07 A2959 RMK AO2 SLP045 T00331072 58041
KSTC 310153Z 15013G21KT 10SM SCT110 02/M08 A2964 RMK AO2 SLP062 T00221083
KSTC 310053Z 16009KT 10SM BKN110 03/M09 A2972 RMK AO2 SLP090 T00281089
KSTC 302353Z 17013G23KT 10SM CLR 00/M09 A2972 RMK AO2 SLP091 T00001094 10011 21094 56034
KSTC 302253Z 16014G21KT 10SM CLR M06/M11 A2974 RMK AO2 SLP101 T10561106
KSTC 302153Z 16015G21KT 10SM CLR M06/M11 A2978 RMK AO2 SLP113 T10561111
KSTC 301853Z 14017G24KT 10SM OVC095 M09/M14 A2995 RMK AO2 SLP175 T10891139

Last Edit: Jan 31, 2018 1:10:18 GMT -5 by coldlover

hlsto2
God

Posts: 4,763

Reliable ASOS in the winter Jan 31, 2018 1:41:49 GMT -5 coldlover likes this

Quote

Post by hlsto2 on Jan 31, 2018 1:41:49 GMT -5

Jan 31, 2018 0:58:06 GMT -5 coldlover said:

St. Cloud, MN LAWRS. While it's possible the temp is accurate, I highly doubt it as STC is currently 44 and 16F warmer then Princeton 20 some miles to the E. (not shown on this map). Then LAWRS signs off ASOS and the temp goes missing. But the facilitator at my SRMP said ATC provides the same level of service? Then why wasn't ATC going outside to the manually report the temp? Oh yeah. They can't. The sad thing is they didn't even realize the temp was in error.

View Attachment

KSTC 310553Z AUTO 23004KT 10SM OVC100 A2959 RMK AO2 SLPNO 10078 20000 400781189 51002 $
KSTC 310453Z 18008KT 10SM CLR 07/M07 A2959 RMK AO2 SLP042 T00671067
KSTC 310353Z 19008KT 10SM FEW100 SCT110 07/M07 A2961 RMK AO2 SLP049 T00671072
KSTC 310253Z 17014G21KT 10SM BKN110 03/M07 A2959 RMK AO2 SLP045 T00331072 58041
KSTC 310153Z 15013G21KT 10SM SCT110 02/M08 A2964 RMK AO2 SLP062 T00221083
KSTC 310053Z 16009KT 10SM BKN110 03/M09 A2972 RMK AO2 SLP090 T00281089
KSTC 302353Z 17013G23KT 10SM CLR 00/M09 A2972 RMK AO2 SLP091 T00001094 10011 21094 56034
KSTC 302253Z 16014G21KT 10SM CLR M06/M11 A2974 RMK AO2 SLP101 T10561106
KSTC 302153Z 16015G21KT 10SM CLR M06/M11 A2978 RMK AO2 SLP113 T10561111
KSTC 301853Z 14017G24KT 10SM OVC095 M09/M14 A2995 RMK AO2 SLP175 T10891139

here's your sling...

hlsto2
God

Posts: 4,763

Reliable ASOS in the winter Jan 31, 2018 1:54:12 GMT -5 coldlover likes this

Quote

Post by hlsto2 on Jan 31, 2018 1:54:12 GMT -5

looks like the temp went out at 2353...and the tower just punched in numbers for the temp until they logged off...ref the missing temp/dew point in auto mode at 0553.
also...no metars transmitted between 1853 and 2153. more evidence that people trained to talk to pilots have no business doing the weather

tornado
God

Posts: 2,471

Reliable ASOS in the winter Jan 31, 2018 11:02:59 GMT -5

Quote

Post by tornado on Jan 31, 2018 11:02:59 GMT -5

I missed one from yesterday.

Groton, Connecticut, Tue 30 Jan 2018:
SPECI KGON 301011Z AUTO 35014G21KT 1 1/4SM HZ OVC023 M04/M07
A2993 RMK AO2 T10391067 PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KGON 301002Z AUTO 35011KT 2SM HZ OVC029 M04/M07 A2993
RMK AO2 T10391067 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KGON 300956Z AUTO 35013G19KT 3SM HZ OVC035 M04/M07
A2993 RMK AO2 SLP133 T10391067 PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KGON 300929Z AUTO 35010KT 3SM BR OVC033 M04/M06 A2992
RMK AO2 T10391061 PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KGON 300923Z AUTO 36012G21KT 2 1/2SM HZ OVC026 M04/M07
A2992 RMK AO2 T10391067 PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KGON 300911Z AUTO 36013KT 1 3/4SM BR OVC017 M04/M06
A2991 RMK AO2 T10391061 $
METAR KGON 300856Z AUTO 36013KT 2SM HZ OVC016 M03/M06 A2991
RMK AO2 SNEMM SLP128 P0000 60000 T10331061 56016
PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KGON 300844Z AUTO 36014KT 1 1/4SM BR OVC016 M03/M06
A2991 RMK AO2 SNEMM P0000 T10331056 PWINO FZRANO $
SPECI KGON 300836Z AUTO 36013G24KT 1SM R05/5500VP6000FT -SN
BR VV014 M03/M06 A2991 RMK AO2 P0000 T10331056

SNEMM, PWINO and $ appeared in remarks at 0844Z. After that, snow was missing from present weather,
when it should have been reported by ASOS at Groton. Compare the 0900Z radar, where the Groton area
is circled in red; to the 0856Z METAR, which mentioned no snow:

Hill City, Kansas:
METAR KHLC 311953Z AUTO 09/M03 A2989 RMK AO2 SLP125 T00941028 PWINO $

Missing: visibility, sky condition; along with a present weather sensor outage.

Bemidji, Minnesota:
KBJI 312055Z AUTO 31016KT 1/2SM -SN BKN018 OVC025 M13/M16 A2968 RMK AO2 T11271156

ASOS should have reported moderate snow.

Cut Bank, Montana:
METAR KCTB 311956Z AUTO 01012KT FEW016 OVC060 A3004 RMK AO2 SLPNO PWINO FZRANO PNO $

Missing: visibility, temperature (previously was M11), dew point; along with present weather, freezing rain
and precip sensors.

Lincoln, Nebraska:
METAR KLNK 311754Z A2991 RMK AO2 SLPNO 10056 21028 53009 $

The altimeter setting transmitted, but no other data in the body of the report was included.

Erie, Pennsylvania:
METAR KERI 311651Z 17022G38KT 4SM HZ BKN110 M02/M09 A2984
RMK AO2 PK WND 17038/1648 PRESFR SLP114 T10171094
SPECI KERI 311624Z 17024G36KT 5SM HZ FEW100 M02/M09 A2987
RMK AO2 PK WND 17037/1611 T10171094
SPECI KERI 311617Z 17027G37KT 2 1/2SM HZ FEW065 SCT100 M02/M09
A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 17037/1611 VIS 1 3/4V5 PRESFR
T10221094
METAR KERI 311551Z 17022G32KT 6SM HZ SCT065 M04/M09 A2991
RMK AO2 PK WND 16033/1528 SLP140 T10391094

Was that a "haze front" that blew in from Lake Erie? It was reported as such.
But it may have been snow:

The above map is a radar loop, click on it to animate.

Gilmer, Texas:
METAR KJXI 311815Z AUTO 19013G23KT 160V220 10SM TS CLR 17/03 A3003 RMK AO2 T01710025

Not only was a thunderstorm reported with clear skies, it doesn't appear there's any lightning
anywhere close to NE Texas:

Antigo, Wisconsin:
SPECI KAIG 311835Z AUTO 26014G18KT 10SM -RA SCT023 M01/M06 A2955 RMK AO2 T10101056
SPECI KAIG 311815Z AUTO 26016KT 10SM -RA SCT021 M01/M06 A2955 RMK AO2 T10111056
METAR KAIG 311755Z AUTO 27011G16KT 10SM -DZ SCT019 M01/M06 A2955 RMK AO2 60001 T10131057 11013 21050
SPECI KAIG 311735Z AUTO 29011G16KT 10SM UP BKN017 M02/M05 A2956 RMK AO2 T10171055
SPECI KAIG 311715Z AUTO 28013G17KT 10SM UP OVC015 M01/M05 A2955 RMK AO2 T10151051

UP changed to liquid precip with temperatures below freezing.

Gillette, Wyoming:
METAR KGCC 312053Z AUTO A2989 RMK AO2 PK WND 30026/2005 SLPNO 53000 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KGCC 311953Z AUTO 32018G25KT M01/M08 A2988 RMK AO2 SLPNO T10061078
METAR KGCC 311853Z AUTO A2989 RMK AO2 SLPNO PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KGCC 311753Z AUTO M01/M08 A2989 RMK AO2 SLP151 T10111078 53011 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KGCC 311653Z AUTO A2987 RMK AO2 SLPNO PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KGCC 311553Z AUTO A2987 RMK AO2 SLPNO PWINO FZRANO
METAR KGCC 311453Z AUTO 28008KT 10SM FEW080 OVC100 M04/M08 A2986 RMK AO2 SLP142 T10391083 53004 $
METAR KGCC 311353Z AUTO 10SM M03/M07 A2984 RMK AO2 SLP133 T10281067 $
METAR KGCC 311253Z AUTO A2984 RMK AO2 SLPNO PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KGCC 311153Z AUTO M04/M06 A2984 RMK AO2 SLP129 6//// 7//// T10391061 58004 PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KGCC 311053Z AUTO A2985 RMK AO2 SLPNO PWINO FZRANO $
METAR KGCC 310953Z AUTO 10SM M04/M07 A2986 RMK AO2 SLP124 T10441067 $

ASOS produced a full report with all elements at 1453Z; other than then, data has been missing.

Last Edit: Jan 31, 2018 16:27:20 GMT -5 by tornado

tornado
God

Posts: 2,471

Reliable ASOS in the winter Feb 1, 2018 13:23:50 GMT -5

Quote

Post by tornado on Feb 1, 2018 13:23:50 GMT -5

Berthoud Pass, Colorado:
SPECI K0CO 011812Z AUTO M1/4SM +SN OVC004 M10/M17 A3008 RMK AO2
METAR K0CO 011748Z AUTO M1/4SM +SN OVC002 M10/M17 A3004 RMK AO2
SPECI K0CO 011730Z AUTO M1/4SM +SN OVC002 M11/M17 A3008 RMK AO2
SPECI K0CO 011712Z AUTO 32027G40KT M1/4SM +SN OVC002 M11/M17 A3008 RMK AO2
METAR K0CO 011648Z AUTO M1/4SM +SN OVC002 M10/M17 A3003 RMK AO2
SPECI K0CO 011630Z AUTO M1/4SM +SN OVC002 M10/M17 A3005 RMK AO2
SPECI K0CO 011612Z AUTO 31031KT M1/4SM +SN OVC002 M10/M17 A3005 RMK AO2
METAR K0CO 011548Z AUTO M1/4SM +SN OVC002 M10/M17 A3003 RMK AO2
SPECI K0CO 011530Z AUTO M1/4SM +SN OVC002 M10/M17 A3002 RMK AO2
SPECI K0CO 011512Z AUTO M1/4SM +SN OVC002 M11/M17 A3001 RMK AO2
METAR K0CO 011453Z AUTO M1/4SM +SN OVC002 M11/M17 A2999 RMK AO2
SPECI K0CO 011430Z AUTO M1/4SM +SN OVC002 M11/M17 A2996 RMK AO2
SPECI K0CO 011412Z AUTO M1/4SM +SN OVC002 M11/M17 A2999 RMK AO2
METAR K0CO 011349Z AUTO M1/4SM +SN OVC002 M11/M17 A2996 RMK AO2
SPECI K0CO 011331Z AUTO +SN M11/M17 A2995 RMK AO2
SPECI K0CO 011312Z AUTO M1/4SM +SN OVC001 M11/M17 A2993 RMK AO2
METAR K0CO 011248Z AUTO 32032KT 1/4SM +SN OVC001 M11/M17 A2995 RMK AO2
METAR K0CO 010848Z AUTO 29048G63KT 2SM -SN OVC015 M10/M16 A2989 RMK AO2 VIS 1V3

Many reports with missing winds; it's not as if anyone wants to land in those conditions anyway!

(I don't believe there's an airfield there)

tornado
God

Posts: 2,471

Reliable ASOS in the winter Feb 2, 2018 15:26:32 GMT -5

Quote

Post by tornado on Feb 2, 2018 15:26:32 GMT -5

Gary, Indiana:
METAR KGYY 021015Z AUTO RMK AO2 PWINO PNO TSNO
METAR KGYY 020955Z AUTO RMK AO2 PWINO PNO TSNO
METAR KGYY 020935Z AUTO RMK AO2 PWINO PNO TSNO
METAR KGYY 020915Z AUTO RMK AO2 PWINO PNO TSNO
METAR KGYY 020855Z AUTO RMK AO2 6//// PWINO PNO TSNO
METAR KGYY 020835Z AUTO RMK AO2 PWINO PNO TSNO
METAR KGYY 020815Z AUTO RMK AO2 PWINO PNO TSNO
METAR KGYY 020755Z AUTO RMK AO2 PWINO TSNO
METAR KGYY 020735Z AUTO RMK AO2 PWINO PNO TSNO
METAR KGYY 020715Z AUTO RMK AO2 PWINO PNO TSNO
METAR KGYY 020655Z AUTO 29010KT RMK AO2 PWINO PNO TSNO
METAR KGYY 020635Z AUTO RMK AO2 PWINO PNO
METAR KGYY 020615Z AUTO 29012KT RMK AO2 PWINO PNO
METAR KGYY 020555Z AUTO RMK AO2 6//// PWINO PNO
METAR KGYY 020535Z AUTO 30009KT 10SM RMK AO2
METAR KGYY 020515Z AUTO 29012G18KT RMK AO2
METAR KGYY 020455Z AUTO 31012KT 10SM CLR A3041 RMK AO2

After 0655Z, ASOS had all sensors fail.

Lewiston, Maine:
SPECI KLEW 020930Z AUTO 34003KT 1 1/2SM UP BR BKN004 BKN019
OVC031 M01/M02 A2969 RMK AO2 UPB09SNE09 P0001 FZRANO
SPECI KLEW 020916Z AUTO 34003KT 1 3/4SM UP BR FEW004 BKN024
OVC031 M01/M02 A2969 RMK AO2 UPB09SNE09 P0000 FZRANO
SPECI KLEW 020912Z AUTO 00000KT 2SM UP BR BKN024 OVC031 M01/M02 A2969

RMK AO2 UPB09SNE09 P0000 FZRANO TSNO
SPECI KLEW 020816Z AUTO 34004KT 1 3/4SM UP BR BKN012 OVC021
M01/M02 A2970 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/4V3 P0000 FZRANO
SPECI KLEW 020810Z AUTO 34004KT 3SM UP BR BKN012 OVC021 M01/M02
A2971 RMK AO2 P0000 FZRANO
METAR KLEW 020756Z AUTO 33003KT 3SM UP BR FEW014 BKN021 OVC030
M01/M02 A2971 RMK AO2 SLP076 P0000 T10111022 FZRANO
METAR KLEW 011756Z AUTO 20007KT 10SM UP OVC010 00/M03 A2986
RMK AO2 UPB21SNE21 CIG 008V012 SLP128 P0000 60001
T00001028 10000 21033 58025 FZRANO
SPECI KLEW 011744Z AUTO 20007KT 10SM UP BKN010 OVC027 M01/M02
A2985 RMK AO2 UPB21SNE21 CIG 007V012 P0000 FZRANO
SPECI KLEW 011728Z AUTO 18007KT 3SM UP BR SCT008 BKN019 OVC029
M01/M03 A2986 RMK AO2 UPB21SNE21 P0000 FZRANO
SPECI KLEW 011636Z AUTO 19007KT 5SM UP BR BKN010 OVC024 M01/M03
A2989 RMK AO2 UPE11B35SNB11E35 CIG 008V012 P0000 FZRANO
METAR KLEW 011556Z AUTO 16004KT 8SM UP BKN006 BKN011 OVC027
M01/M03 A2991 RMK AO2 UPB31SNE31 CIG 005V009 SLP144
P0001 T10111028 FZRANO
SPECI KLEW 011548Z AUTO 16005KT 8SM UP BKN006 BKN010 OVC029
M01/M03 A2991 RMK AO2 UPB31SNE31 CIG 005V009 P0001 FZRANO
SPECI KLEW 011543Z AUTO 16004KT 7SM UP SCT006 BKN021 OVC031
M01/M03 A2991 RMK AO2 UPB31SNE31 P0001 FZRANO
SPECI KLEW 011533Z AUTO 17006KT 3SM UP BR FEW011 BKN019 OVC027
M01/M03 A2991 RMK AO2 UPB31SNE31 P0001 FZRANO

Was the UP freezing rain? The freezing rain sensor was out of service (FZRANO),

while the temperature was below freezing (except at 1756Z when it was right at

the freezing point).

Sanford, Maine:
METAR KSFM 011656Z AUTO 23008KT 10SM UP BKN046 M01/M03 A2990
RMK AO2 UPE17B48SNB17E48 SLP132 P0000 T10061033 FZRANO
METAR KSFM 011556Z AUTO VRB06KT 10SM UP SCT008 OVC043 M01/M03
A2992 RMK AO2 UPB51SNE51 SLP139 P0000 T10111028 FZRANO

Was the UP freezing rain?

Waterville, Maine:
SPECI KWVL 020736Z AUTO 33003KT 10SM UP FEW007 BKN043 OVC050
M02/M03 A2967 RMK AO2 UPE12B36 P0000 FZRANO
METAR KWVL 020656Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM UP SCT032 BKN045 M02/M03
A2969 RMK AO2 UPB30 SLP086 P0000 T10171028 FZRANO

Was the UP freezing rain?

Easton, Maryland:
METAR KESN 020508Z AUTO 34009KT 7SM +DZ SCT017 BKN023 OVC040
08/05 A2990 RMK AO2 P0001 T00760048

ASOS programming sometimes runs counter to the rules. Heavy drizzle is not to be reported unless

the visibility is 1/4SM or less.

Kalispell, Montana:
METAR KGPI 021355Z AUTO A3009 RMK AO2 SLPNO PWINO FZRANO PNO $
SPECI KGPI 021336Z AUTO M01/M01 A3008 RMK AO2 T10111011 PWINO
FZRANO PNO $

ASOS had missing wind, visibility and sky condition at 1336Z; then also dropped the

temperature and dew point at 1355Z. The present weather sensor was also out of service.

snowwx
Senior Member

Posts: 289

Reliable ASOS in the winter Feb 3, 2018 2:53:35 GMT -5 hlsto2 likes this

Quote

Post by snowwx on Feb 3, 2018 2:53:35 GMT -5

No freezing rain? No freezing drizzle?...Only Rain? Only Drizzle? oh yea...Not a hazard to aircraft...No problem... The swamp has dictated it that its no hazard

KIKK 030655Z AUTO 22006KT 10SM -DZ OVC060 M06/M11 A3031 RMK AO2 T10581110
KIKK 030635Z AUTO 22008KT 10SM -RA SCT050 OVC060 M06/M11 A3031 RMK AO2 T10581112
KIKK 030615Z AUTO 21008KT 10SM -RA OVC050 M06/M12 A3032 RMK AO2 T10561117
KIKK 030555Z AUTO 23012KT 10SM -DZ OVC055 M06/M12 A3034 RMK AO2 T10561122 11055 21070 410551152

tornado
God

Posts: 2,471

Reliable ASOS in the winter Feb 5, 2018 11:02:33 GMT -5

Quote

Post by tornado on Feb 5, 2018 11:02:33 GMT -5

It was snowing over most of Iowa at 1545Z. Yet, there were 7 ASOS or AWOS sites that weren't reporting snow:

METAR KSHL 051515Z AUTO 19013KT 1/4SM FZFG OVC003 M13/M14
A2998 RMK AO2 (Sheldon, Iowa)
METAR KAXA 051535Z AUTO 17013KT 1/2SM FZFG VV005 M13/ A3004
RMK AO2 PWINO (Algona, Iowa)
METAR KLRJ 051535Z AUTO 20008KT 1/4SM FZFG OVC003 M12/M14
A3001 RMK AO2 (LeMars, Iowa)
METAR KSLB 051515Z AUTO 19016KT 1/2SM FZFG VV005 M13/M15
A3000 RMK AO2 (Storm Lake, Iowa)
METAR KDNS 051535Z AUTO 18011G16KT 1/4SM FZFG OVC002 M13/M15
A3005 RMK AO2 (Denison, Iowa)
METAR KCAV 051515Z AUTO 18012KT 1/2SM FZFG BKN003 M14/M13
A3011 RMK AO2 PWINO (Clarion, Iowa)
METAR KEBS 051535Z AUTO 18015KT 1/2SM HZ OVC003 M13/M16 A3008
RMK AO2 (Webster City, Iowa)

The times don't all line up, but pilots/users looking at surface plots of that area wouldn't have seen
snow reported at those 7 sites:

Joliet, Illinois
METAR KJOT 041535Z AUTO 36012G15KT 3SM -RA OVC008 M05/M06
A2992 RMK AO2 T10501060
METAR KJOT 041455Z AUTO 36009G16KT 3SM DZ BKN008 OVC011 M04/M05
A2988 RMK AO2 T10411050
METAR KJOT 041435Z AUTO 01013G19KT 3SM -DZ OVC010 M04/M05
A2987 RMK AO2 T10381049
METAR KJOT 041415Z AUTO 36015G19KT 4SM -DZ OVC010 M03/M04
A2986 RMK AO2 T10311043

ASOS recorded liquid precipitation instead of freezing rain or drizzle, with temperatures ranging from -3.1°C (26°F) to -5°C (23°F).

Last Edit: Feb 5, 2018 15:10:40 GMT -5 by tornado: Added KJOT data

snowwx
Senior Member

Posts: 289

Reliable ASOS in the winter Feb 6, 2018 5:05:25 GMT -5

Quote

Post by snowwx on Feb 6, 2018 5:05:25 GMT -5

No temps, No dewpoints...No problem...coming to a cwo near you if the swamp gets its way...

KGWB 060955Z AUTO 27003KT 10SM CLR A3023 RMK AO2
KGWB 060935Z AUTO 28004KT 10SM CLR A3023 RMK AO2
KGWB 060915Z AUTO 29005KT 10SM CLR A3022 RMK AO2
KGWB 060855Z AUTO 29005KT 10SM -SN SCT023 BKN040 A3022 RMK AO2
KGWB 060835Z AUTO 29005KT 4SM -SN BKN025 OVC032 A3021 RMK AO2
KGWB 060815Z AUTO 29005KT 7SM -SN SCT027 OVC032 A3021 RMK AO2