NOAA Regional Surface Data: Hourly Meteorology for FIFE (1989)

1989 hourly surface meteorological data collected for the FIFE study area. The dataset provides a representative cross-section of variables and sky conditions in and around the site, though measurements were not taken precisely within the study area. It includes subjective observer-dependent estimates, such as cloud amount and height, and is intended for use as input or verification data for numerical simulation models.

Use Cases

• Validating numerical weather prediction models based on historical surface temperature and pressure data.
• Calibrating satellite-derived atmospheric measurements using ground-based dew point and wind observations.
• Analyzing cloud cover frequency and type trends from observer-estimated cloud amount and height data.

Strengths

• Provides hourly temporal resolution for detailed diurnal cycle analysis.
• Covers multiple atmospheric variables including temperature, pressure, wind, clouds, and water vapor indicators.
• Cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA Earthdata signals established importance and accessibility.

Limitations

• Key metadata conflicts: last update date is listed as both 1989-10-31 and 2026-04-09.
• Data includes subjective observer estimates (e.g., cloud amount) which may introduce skill-based biases.
• Measurements were not taken precisely at the FIFE study area, only hypothesized to be representative.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Hourly surface meteorological observations recorded by human observers.

Time Range

1989

Freshness

2026-04-09 21:55:55.271147

Geography

FIFE (First ISLSCP Field Experiment) study area and surrounding region.