Salt River Project (SRP) played a crucial role in gathering weather data on June 26, 2024, as senior meteorologist Laura Hodgens released a weather balloon from the SRP headquarters in Tempe. The balloon ascended into the sky, collecting data that was transmitted to the National Weather Service (NWS) office also located in the SRP headquarters.
The radiosonde attached to the weather balloon recorded important information about atmospheric conditions, which was then analyzed by meteorologist Austin Jamison at the NWS office. This data is vital for forecasting and understanding weather patterns, helping to inform the public and prepare for any potential weather events.
Screens at the NWS office displayed the collected data, providing real-time updates to meteorologists and allowing them to make informed decisions about weather predictions. This collaboration between SRP and the NWS demonstrates a commitment to using advanced technology to improve weather forecasting accuracy.
The release of weather balloons and the collection of data is a routine practice for meteorologists, but it remains a critical step in understanding and predicting weather patterns. By partnering with organizations like SRP, the NWS can continue to gather valuable information that ultimately benefits the community by enhancing preparedness and safety during severe weather events.
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Photo credit www.azcentral.com
