Transforming Weather Monitoring: Oklahoma's Advances in 3D Mesonet Systems

The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, the US National Severe Storms Lab, and various US National Weather Service Forecast Offices have been actively engaged in enhancing the capabilities and applications of a 3D Mesonet system. This presentation will overview the extensive activities and advancements in Mesonet operations, focusing on the integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) for atmospheric profiling. The Oklahoma Mesonet system, comprised of 120 surface stations across the state, plays a crucial foundational role in real-time weather monitoring and data collection.Through numerous experiments and field campaigns since 2014, we have deployed UAS for high-resolution vertical measurements of atmospheric parameters such as pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direction. These measurements are key for understanding the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and improving weather forecasting, agricultural decision-making, wildland fire management, wind energy optimization, and climate monitoring. Additionally, 3D Mesonet data have shown great promise in nowcasting, particularly in identifying low-level inversions that impact pesticide application and predicting fire behavior and smoke dispersal.The integration of UAS with Mesonet infrastructure will allow for simultaneous data collection at multiple sites, providing new insights into the spatial heterogeneity of the ABL. This presentation will also discusses ongoing projects, including an initiative with WeatherHive and collaborations with the US National Weather Service (NWS) to enhance severe weather forecasting through real-time data ingest and analysis.Furthermore, this presentation will highlight the need to develop robust and reliable UAV systems equipped with precision landing, automatic charging, and risk mitigation measures for unattended operations. A prototype built by the Advanced Radar Research Center at the University of Oklahoma demonstrated the capability to detect aircraft within a geofenced area, ensuring safe and efficient data collection.Overall, the advancements in 3D Mesonet technology and its applications underscore the importance of continuous innovation in atmospheric research and its practical implications for various sectors.