Observations - NOAA Weather Program Office

Observations - NOAA Weather Program Office
Official websites use .gov
.gov
website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
lock
) or
means you’ve safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
Skip to content
News
What We Do
Our Team
Annual Accomplishments
Strategic Plan
The Weather Act
Portfolio Analysis & Research Transitions
REACH – WPO’s Open Science Tool
SPARK – WPO’s Project Directory Tool
Divisions
Management and Administration
Science, Technology, and Society
Testbeds
Social Science
Joint Technology Transfer Initiative
Earth System Research and Modeling
Earth Prediction Innovation Center
Synoptic
Subseasonal to Seasonal Research
Observations and Research Support
Observations
Supplemental Appropriations
Portfolio Analysis & Research Transitions
Cross-Division Initiatives
The Data Assimilation Consortium
Funding Opportunities
About The Funding Process
How to Apply
Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO)
FY25 NOFO
FY25 Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO)
NOFO FY25 – FAQs
Explore FY25 Funded Projects
Program Review
Careers
Student Opportunities
W.I.N.G.S. Fellowship 2025
Position Announcements
Observations help scientists understand and predict weather phenomena
They improve accuracy in modeling and bring back data from places no scientist can safely go- such as the eye of a hurricane or a mountain top.
Without accurate, precise, and targeted observations, we cannot measure or predict. We are constantly working with the scientific community to improve the scope and capabilities of our observing platforms so we can provide tools that bring back data when and where they need it for impactful forecast improvement.
Targeted Observing Platforms for Earth Science
Building Data Arrays for Forecast Improvement
The Observations Program supports research to advance and improve weather observations technology critical for the detection and forecasting of hazardous weather phenomena. The Observations Program works closely with the research and operational communities in government, academia, and private industry to develop and transition weather observing technology into operations.
The goals of the Observations program directly align with the legislation mandated by The Weather Act of 2017: advance observations to improve weather research and forecasting, particularly for high impact weather, to protect life and property. The Observations team has a strong focus on building a Climate-Ready Nation by improving environmental predictions and enhancing comprehensive observations and monitoring systems.
We support the objectives in the
Priorities for Weather Research
report by funding projects that aim to improve data assimilation of new observations and increase observational capabilities for weather research.
We provide mission enabling, foundational infrastructure to accelerate transitions of research to operations, applications, and commercialization through enterprise collaboration
We research and analyze new and emerging observing capabilities to upgrade legacy systems, to fill gaps in observations, and to better understand the atmosphere, specifically the boundary layer
We identify the impact of various observing systems on prediction skill and forecast quality through observing system experiments (ie OSEs and OSSEs).
We coordinate within and outside of NOAA to strengthen integration efforts across the weather enterprise.
What’s Happening Now
Updates & Events
WPO Is a Part of History as NOAA and Partners Set Two New World Records in the Hurricane Observing Mission
October 5, 2023
WPO is part of history as two projects funded by the WPO Observations Program are supporting NOAA’s hurricane observing mission, which is being recognized in…
FY23 WPO Observations Awards
September 18, 2023
The total of funding awarded* for the eleven selected projects is approximately $4M per year.
Women at NOAA Advancing Hurricane Research and Forecasting
June 23, 2023
Renee Richardson is one of seven women featured in an article by NOAA Global Ocean Monitoring and Observation for advancing hurricane research and forecasting at…
Current Focus Areas
Innovative Technologies
We fund and foster technologies that push boundaries to collect critical data to advance NOAA's mission to understand and predict changes in weather.
Observational Capabilities Throughout the Weather Enterprise
We continue to invest in the research and development of observational technologies within NOAA, academia, and the private sector to advance and accelerate the goals of the weather enterprise.
Guide to Transition
We help navigate the transition of weather observing technologies into a relevant applied space. This could be an operational environment, a commercial product or service, or an application.
PROJECT VIGNETTES
A World of Possibilities
for Observational Assets
PROJECT VIGNETTES
A World of Possibilities
for Observational Assets
Recipients of FY25 Notice of Funding Opportunities announced
February 17, 2026
To continue advancing improvements in weather forecasting, WPO has announced the recipients of its FY25 research funding competition. These awards support essential work across its…
WPO seeks reviewers for FY25 funding opportunities
November 7, 2024
NOAA’s Weather Program Office (WPO) is looking for proposal reviewers to help shape the future of weather research. By volunteering, you can play a key…
WPO Is a Part of History as NOAA and Partners Set Two New World Records in the Hurricane Observing Mission
October 5, 2023
WPO is part of history as two projects funded by the WPO Observations Program are supporting NOAA’s hurricane observing mission, which is being recognized in…
NOAA WPO Awards $13.5M in FY23
September 18, 2023
The NOAA Weather Program Office (WPO) is proud to announce the awards for the FY23 Notice of Funding.
Taking on Operational Challenges
Currently Funded Projects
Uncrewed Aircraft Observations to Characterize the Land Surface and Its Interaction with the Lower Atmosphere
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Gijs de Boer
University of Colorado/CIRES
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Allen White
This project will utilize observations from uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to gain a better understanding, as well as new perspectives, of weather and water over complex terrain. These observations, which include soil moisture, snow cover, snow reflectivity, vegetation, as well as lower atmospheric properties, will aid in development and advancement of weather and water forecasting…
Flooding: A Bird’s Eye View
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Leila Hashemi-Beni
North Carolina A&T University
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
By fusing high spatial resolution data from optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors obtained from both satellite and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) remote sensing, this project aims to develop an innovative methodology based on machine learning techniques for rapid delineation of flood boundary and water depth measurements. These measurements will provide floodplain topography data…
Particle Imaging and Ceilometer Observations for Snowfall Properties and Blizzard Parameters
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Norm Wood
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Dr. Aaron Kennedy
Accurate forecasting of blizzard occurrence, intensity, and extent is key to improving response to anticipated blizzard conditions. This project aims to use new particle imagers and laser ceilometers to measure and detect various snow properties to aid in improving blizzard and winter precipitation forecasting, as well as contribute to model verification, to reduce adverse outcomes…
The Great Snow Forecasting Challenge of the Great Lakes
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Claire Pettersen
University of Michigan
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Stephen Nesbitt, Dr. John Lenters
Through the deployment of affordable, automated, profiling, and high-temporal-resolution vertically pointing radars, snow particle imagers, and boundary layer sensors, this project will examine the characteristics of different snow regimes to demonstrate the utility of snow microphysical and ambient environmental characteristics observations in providing meaningful information for improved winter weather situational awareness and forecasting.
Look Up in the Sky! It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s a Weather Balloon!
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Andrey Sushko
Windborne Systems Inc.
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
This project utilizes the innovative capabilities of WindBorne Systems’ Global Sounding Balloons (GSBs) to fill critical data gaps. To test this technology for operational use, multiple observation campaigns will be conducted, including over the Northern Pacific Ocean to collect data on atmospheric river formation and over the Atlantic Ocean to collect environmental data surrounding tropical…
A New Global 4-KM Multi-Decadal Snow Cover Extent/Snow Water Equivalent/Snow Depth Dataset
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Peter Romanov
City College of New York
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Cezar Kongoli
This project will develop a new snow cover monitoring system, as well as enhanced daily snow products. The outcomes of this work will contribute to reanalysis products and will benefit operational activities with the near real-time snow cover data.
Improving Quality Control of Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor Products
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Jeff Brogden
CIMMS
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
With a focus on upgrading the quality control algorithm for the Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) system, this project aims to allow the MRMS system to more effectively identify and filter non-meteorological artifacts from the radar data. This will eliminate these non-meteorological artifacts from transferring into final radar data products that serve operational end users across aviation,…
Decluttering the Sea Clutter
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
James Kurdzo, Mr. Michael Istok
MIT Lincoln Lab, NOAA/NWS/ROC
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Betty Bennett, Mr. Terrance Clark
This project will develop a non-hydrometeor subclass for classifying sea clutter, i.e. unwanted radar returns from ocean waves, within the HCA. The ability to classify and remove sea clutter will enable Air Traffic Control safer decision making, improve radar data assimilated into forecast models, and assist NWS forecasters in more confidence discerning coastal weather in…
The CopterSonde: Small System, Huge Impact on Severe Weather Forecasts
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Nusrat Yussouf, Phillip Chilson
OU/CIMMS, NSSL
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Katie Wilson, Tyler Bell, Elizabeth A. Pillar-Little
This project will build and deploy the uncrewed aerial system (UAS) platform, University of Oklahoma (OU) CopterSonde, in the central United States to collect vertical, atmospheric profiles before and during hazardous weather events, specifically severe weather. Results of this work will illustrate the benefits that UAS observations have on forecasting and numerical weather prediction of…
Spatiotemporal Variability in Urban Heat and Associated Heat Advection
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Sandip Pal
Texas Tech University
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Utilizing a network of near-surface observing systems, this project aims to develop a better understanding of the spatial variability and movement of urban heat within and around small cities. The datasets provided by this work will aid in improving urban heat forecasts, urban planning, and risk management.
Winter Weather Data Limitations Can Be a BRRR-den
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Junhong (June) Wang
University at Albany, SUNY
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
In this project, researchers propose to develop a new comprehensive observing strategy to more accurately, monitor, warn and verify winter weather. Improving upon already known limitations, this research will build upon prior work to demonstrate an innovative, high quality system for monitoring snow depth, snowfall rates and accumulation, snow water equivalent, freezing rain, and precipitation…
Improving Analysis and Communication of Extreme Temperatures Across the New York City Metropolis
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Nicholas Bassill
University at Albany, State University of New York
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Dr. Eric Stern, Dr. Jeannette Sutton, Dr. Christopher Thorncroft
To fill data gaps in the ASOS observational network across New York state, this project will develop a real-time Extreme Temperature Dashboard, a product that will offer granular extreme temperature analyses. This product is foreseen to provide benefit to the daily operations of NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) and Emergency Management of New York and…
Drifting Through Waves of Data
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Luca Centurioni
Scripps Institution of Oceanography/LDL/GDP
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Mr. Joe Sienkiewicz
This project aims to address the sea level pressure (SLP) data scarcity issue over the oceans by utilizing drifting buoys, i.e. drifters. Recent literature shows SLP data collected by drifters dramatically improves weather forecasting; however, only 60% of drifters are outfitted with barometers. The project team will equip drifters with barometers and analyze and assess…
Improving Flood Inundation Mapping Using UAS-Based Optical Imagery
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Jamie Dyer
Mississippi State University/Northern Gulf Institute
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Dr. Robert Moorhead
This project will deploy a large uncrewed aerial system (UAS) platform during active flood events to collect and disseminate flood imagery to river forecast centers, specifically the NWS Southern Region. This project will not only enhance the capabilities of UAS during hydrologic events, but will also improve situational awareness of the operational centers and provide…
Sailing into the Eye of a Hurricane
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Dongxiao Zhang
University of Washington
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Dr. Jun Zhang & Dr. Eric Lindstrom
This project will deploy uncrewed surface vehicles (USV), Saildrones, into hurricane environments to continuously collect high-quality near-surface atmosphere and upper ocean measurements. The real time data from Saildrones will provide critical data to better understand the air-sea transition zone physics and how that may affect hurricane intensity.
New Hurricane Hunters Joining the Fleet: Drones
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Jun Zhang
University of Miami/CIMAS
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Dr. Joe Cione
This project will deploy low-altitude small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) from NOAA WP-3D hurricane hunter aircrafts to enhance observations within the hurricane boundary layer. The data collected by the sUASs will aid in better predictions of hurricane intensity change by increasing data coverage of the boundary layer and helping improve the physics within NOAA’s operational…
Smartphones Making Weather Forecasts Smarter
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Clifford Mass
University of Washington
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Utilizing pressure sensors within smartphones, this project will collect, anonymize, and bias-correct millions of smartphone pressure data points and evaluate the value this data has on operational forecast models. The project team will assess the impact of the large number of smartphone pressure measurements on both operational forecasting and numerical weather prediction.
Unlocking a Treasure Trove of Aircraft Data
Lead Principal Investigator & Affiliation:
Dr. Michael McPartland
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
Dr. Jason English
This project demonstrates a low-cost, innovative system that has the ability to pull meteorological data, including wind and temperature, from aircraft equipped with Mode S Enhanced Surveillance (EHS) transponders in real-time. This standalone system presents several advantages over current aircraft data collection methods such as low latency on the order of seconds and the compatibility…
Resource Library
Take a Deep Dive into the Observations Program
Interactive Story Maps
Articles & Information
Workshops
Interactive Story Maps
Use of USV Saildrones to Accomplish NOAA's Mission. Transition Plan Storymap.
NOAA WPO Observations Program: FY21 Projects
NOAA's WPO Observations Program Overview
Articles & Information
WPO Observations Program FY21 Funded Projects
Observing Weather and Climate From the Ground Up: A National Network of Networks
Workshops
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Emerging Technologies Workshop (ETW) is an event showcasing the latest innovations designed to collect, analyze, and synthesize environmental data.
The 2021 virtual workshop highlighted a wide variety of innovative technologies. Workshop attendees represented all six NOAA Line Offices in addition to stakeholders from other federal agencies, academia, and the private sector. This event aimed to improve the impact of emerging technologies through the end-to-end processes of Discovery Development, and Deployment/Transition.
View post-workshop materials >
Click to see materials from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Emerging Technologies Workshop
We Coordinate Observations Improvement & Integration Research for the Weather Program Office
Contact Our Team
Segayle Thompson, PhD
Phased Array Radar (PAR) Program Manager
View details
Sandra LaCorte
Observations Program Coordinator
View details
Renee Richardson
Observations Program Manager
View details
Wayne Mackenzie
Division Chief - Observations and Research Support
Acting Division Chief - Science, Technology and Society
View details
Justin Bickett
Observations Deputy Program Manager
View details
Go to Top