Exploring Alternative Open Source Sub-Daily Weather Data: Beyond Jena

1. NOAA Global Forecast System (GFS)

The NOAA Global Forecast System (GFS) is a widely recognized and trusted source of open-source sub-daily weather data. It provides global weather forecasts at high temporal resolution, typically at 3-hourly intervals. The GFS dataset includes a comprehensive range of meteorological variables such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, and barometric pressure.

One of the main advantages of using GFS data is its global coverage, which makes it suitable for various applications in weather forecasting, climate research and earth science studies. The data are freely available and can be accessed through NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) or other affiliated platforms. Researchers and developers can easily incorporate GFS data into their projects or use it to validate and compare their own models.

Another notable feature of the GFS dataset is its long-term historical archive, which allows users to analyze and study weather patterns and trends over long periods of time. This makes it an invaluable resource for climate scientists and researchers interested in long-term climate variability and change.

2. ECMWF ERA5

The ECMWF ERA5 (Fifth Generation of ECMWF Atmospheric Reanalysis of the Global Climate) dataset is another excellent open source source of sub-daily weather data. Produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), ERA5 provides a comprehensive set of atmospheric parameters at a high spatial resolution of about 30 kilometers. The dataset covers the entire globe and provides sub-daily records for various weather variables.

ERA5 data include a wide range of parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, cloud cover, and surface pressure. These variables are available at hourly intervals, making them suitable for detailed analysis and modeling applications that require high temporal resolution.

In addition to its high spatial and temporal resolution, ERA5 provides consistent and quality-controlled data, making it reliable for research and operational purposes. The dataset is freely available through the ECMWF Climate Data Store (CDS), where users can access and download the data in various formats.

3. NCEP Real-Time Mesoscale Analysis (RTMA)

The NCEP Real-Time Mesoscale Analysis (RTMA) dataset is a valuable source of sub-daily weather data for the United States. Produced by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), RTMA provides high-resolution, real-time meteorological analysis at one-hour intervals.

The RTMA data set includes a wide range of variables, including temperature, dew point, wind speed and direction, cloud cover, and precipitation. These data are produced using a combination of observations from surface stations, satellites, and radar systems, along with advanced numerical modeling techniques.

RTMA data are widely used by meteorologists, researchers, and operational forecasters for a variety of applications, including severe weather detection, nowcasting, and short-term weather forecasting. The dataset is freely available through NCEP’s National Operational Model Archive and Distribution System (NOMADS), which allows users to access and download data for their specific geographic areas of interest.

4. Met Office UKV

The Met Office UKV (UK Variable Resolution) dataset is a high-resolution, sub-daily weather data source specifically tailored for the United Kingdom. Produced by the Met Office, the UKV dataset provides detailed weather information at a horizontal resolution of approximately 1.5 kilometers.

The UKV dataset includes a wide range of meteorological variables such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, and cloud cover. The data are available at hourly intervals, allowing detailed analysis and modeling of weather phenomena across the UK.

The UKV dataset is widely used by meteorologists, researchers and environmental scientists for a variety of applications including weather forecasting, climate research and air quality modelling. It is freely available through the Met Office’s DataPoint service, which provides access to a wide range of meteorological and climatological datasets.
When it comes to open source sub-daily weather data, there are several reliable and valuable sources beyond Jena. The NOAA GFS dataset offers global coverage and long-term archives, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The ECMWF ERA5 dataset provides high spatial and temporal resolution data globally, ensuring consistent and quality-controlled information. The NCEP RTMA dataset provides real-time meteorological analysis specific to the United States region, while the Met Office UKV dataset provides high-resolution weather data tailored to the United Kingdom.

These open-source, sub-daily weather data sources serve as invaluable resources for researchers, developers, and operational forecasters in various fields of weather and geoscience. By using these datasets, scientists can gain insight into weather patterns, analyze climate variability, improve forecast models, and enhance our understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere.

It is important to note that while these datasets are freely available, they may have specific terms and conditions for use, such as attribution requirements or restrictions on commercial use. Users should always consult the documentation provided by the data providers and adhere to any data use policies.
By using these open-source, sub-daily weather data sources, researchers and practitioners can access reliable and comprehensive information to advance their studies and applications in the weather and earth sciences. These datasets contribute to the open science movement, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field while enabling the development of more accurate and efficient weather forecasting and climate modeling systems.

FAQs

Any open source sub-daily weather data other than Jena?

Yes, there are several open-source sub-daily weather datasets available besides Jena. Here are a few examples:

1. Global Historical Climatology Network – Daily (GHCN-D)

GHCN-D is a dataset maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It provides daily weather records from thousands of weather stations worldwide, including sub-daily measurements such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and more.

2. Integrated Surface Database (ISD)

The ISD is another NOAA dataset that offers sub-daily weather observations. It includes a wide range of meteorological variables collected from various sources, such as surface weather stations, buoys, and ships, covering global locations.

3. European Climate Assessment & Dataset (ECA&D)

ECA&D is an open-access climate database that collects daily weather data from meteorological stations across Europe. It provides sub-daily measurements like temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, and more. The dataset is maintained by the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI).

4. National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

The NCEI, operated by NOAA, offers access to various climate and weather datasets, including sub-daily observations. They provide a wide range of data sources and variables, allowing researchers to analyze weather patterns at different temporal resolutions.

5. Weather Underground API

Weather Underground provides an API that allows developers to access historical weather data, including sub-daily measurements, for specific locations. The API offers a wealth of weather information, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and more, collected from a network of personal weather stations worldwide.

6. OpenWeatherMap

OpenWeatherMap provides historical weather data through their API, which includes sub-daily observations. The data covers a wide range of variables and is available for various locations globally.

7. Dark Sky API

Dark Sky API offers historical weather data, including sub-daily measurements, for specific locations. The dataset includes information like temperature, precipitation, wind, and more, and is accessible through their API.

Note: Availability, data coverage, and specific variables provided may vary among these datasets. It’s recommended to consult the respective sources for detailed information on accessing and utilizing the data.