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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

NOAA Profiler Network (NPN) Vertical Wind Profile Data

NPN

browse graphicWind Profiler Product (image courtesy of NWS)
The NOAA Profiler Network (NPN) radars provide vertical profiles of horizontal wind speed and direction from near the surface to above the tropopause. The system also generates data quality related statistics such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectrum width. There are three systems in Alaska (Talkeetna, Anchorage, and Homer), with an additional testbed site in Norman, OK. The location and ICAO ID for the NOAA NPN sites are: Norman, OK - ROCO2/KROC; Homer, AK - HWPA2/KHWP; Talkeetna, AK - TLKA2/KTLK; and Anchorage, AK - AWPA2/KAWP. Each wind profiler unit uses preprogrammed operational modes to determine the speed and direction of the wind at different heights directly above the unmanned radar site.
This dataset covers the newly refreshed NPN upper air wind data, beginning with 2020. A previous NPN project covered 1991 - 2006 and is available in BUFR format for winds, moments, RASS, and surface file types.
  • Cite as: NOAA Radar Operations Center (2021): NOAA Profiler Network (NPN) Vertical Wind Profile Data. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. NCEI DSI 2053_01. [access date].
  • NCEI DSI 2053_01
  • gov.noaa.ncdc:C01627
gov.noaa.ncdc:C01627
Full Text · XML
Download Data
  • NCEI Direct Download (download)
    Direct download location for the data files by site in year-month directories.
Distribution Formats
  • BUFR
Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact Customer Engagement Branch
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
1-828-271-4800
ncei.orders@noaa.gov
Time Period 2019-05-20 to Present (time interval: 1-hour)
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -151.5
East: -97.4
South: 35.2
North: 62.3
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Associated Resources
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2021-05-05
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Ongoing - data is continually being updated
Data Update Frequency Daily
Purpose Meteorologists at the NWS Alaska Region and the Aviation Weather Unit use the data, as well as global weather models and weather researchers.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: NOAA Radar Operations Center (2021): NOAA Profiler Network (NPN) Vertical Wind Profile Data. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. NCEI DSI 2053_01. [access date].
Cited Authors
  • NOAA Radar Operations Center
Originators
  • NOAA Radar Operations Center
Publishers
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Dynamics > Vertical Wind Velocity/Speed
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Upper Level Winds > Wind Speed/Wind Direction
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Surface Winds > Wind Speed/Wind Direction
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NWS > National Weather Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NWS/ROC > Radar Operations Center, NWS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Platform keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords
  • WEATHER STATIONS/NETWORKS
Instrument keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
  • WIND PROFILERS
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Continent > North America > United States Of America > Alaska
  • Continent > North America > United States Of America
  • Continent > North America > United States Of America > Oklahoma
Use Constraints
  • Cite as: NOAA Radar Operations Center (2021): NOAA Profiler Network (NPN) Vertical Wind Profile Data. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. NCEI DSI 2053_01. [access date].
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: dataset
Lineage Statement The data were produced by the NWS Radar Operations Center and are archived at NOAA NCEI.
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Last Modified: 2023-06-23
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