PRODUCTS AND SERVICES GUIDE
NATIONAL CLIMATIC DATA CENTER
ASHEVILLE, NC
January 1997
Note: This is an ASCII text version of the Guide. For a more complete,
printable version with graphics, etc.--get the wordperfect version on line.
NCDC's HomePage at http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov provides frequent updates to this guide.
A message from the Director, National Climatic Data Center
The National Climatic Data Center offers a wide range of products and services. Our users
range from large engineering firms designing the latest in safe energy efficient structures, to the
attorney documenting a weather event, to the individual planning for a retirement move.
Services offered include data resource consultations, subscription items and publications, copies
of original records, certifications, generation of specialized climate studies, and a host of other
climate-related activities. Services are delivered on a variety of media including on-line access,
CD-ROMs, magnetic tape, floppy disks, computer tabulations, maps, and publications.
I hope you find our Products and Services Guide helpful. Suggestions of ways that this guide
could better meet your needs are always appreciated. You may contact either Tom Ross at 704-271-4994,
ext 181 (e-mail: tross@ncdc.noaa.gov) or Neal Lott at ext 182 (e-mail nlott@ncdc.noaa.gov) should you
wish to offer comments or suggestions.
Kenneth D. Hadeen
Director
About the National Climatic Data Center
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Data Centers (of which NCDC
is the largest) are world-class centers that provide long-term preservation, management, and
ready accessibility to environmental data. The combined archive includes records taken even
before Ben Franklin's weather observations and continues with the latest real-time satellite
imagery. The Centers are part of the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information
Service (NESDIS). The NCDC is located in Asheville, NC .
NCDC Mission Statement
NCDC's mission is to manage the Nation's resource of global climatological in situ and
remotely sensed data and information to promote global environmental stewardship; to describe,
monitor and assess the climate; and to support efforts to predict changes in the Earth's
environment. This effort requires the acquisition, quality control, processing, summarization,
dissemination, and preservation of a vast array of climatological data generated by the national
and international meteorological services.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
ON LINE SYSTEMS 4
CD-ROM PRODUCTS 22
SPECIALIZED PRODUCTS 27
DIGITAL DATASETS 29
PUBLICATIONS 47
ON-LINE SYSTEMS
SECTION PAGE
WORLD WIDE WEB HOMEPAGE SERVICE 5
CLIMATE VISUALIZATION (CLIMVIS) 7
SATELLITE ACTIVE ARCHIVE 10
ON-LINE ACCESS AND SERVICE INFORMATION 11
SYSTEM
BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM (BBS PC-BASED 14
SYSTEM VIA MODEM)
FTP/WWW SYSTEMS:
ON-LINE INVENTORIES 16
GLOBAL SURFACE SUMMARY OF DAY DATA 20
MONTHLY PRECIPITATION FOR U.S. 21
COOPERATIVE & NWS SITES
WORLD WIDE WEB HOMEPAGE SERVICE
ADDRESS: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov
The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) maintains an Internet World Wide Web
(WWW) homepage service. This service is accessible through numerous Internet 'browsers,'
such as Mosaic. Many of the datasets and products available via WWW are listed below. Unless
otherwise stated, the dataset/product is available through the 'On Line Data Access' icon on the
NCDC Homepage.
National Weather Service Summary of Day Data for beginning of digital record
(approximately 1948) through the most recent available for the current year.
Global Summary of Day Data for January 1994 through the most recent available
(approximately 1 month after end of 'data month') for current year. See page 20 for
additional details.
U.S. Cooperative and National Weather Service Monthly Precipitation Data for full
period of digital record through latest complete year. See page 21 for additional details.
Numerous Data Inventories for surface, upper-air, cooperative, NEXRAD, and other
datasets. See page 16 for additional details.
World War II Era Summary of Day data for 162 overseas locations.
U.S. climate divisional data (precipitation, temperature, and drought index, by month)
from 1895 to present.
A Subset of the Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Dataset (ocean-based data), a
highly quality-controlled, long-term marine dataset.
The Global Climate Perspectives System which provides for graphical display of
global long-term data.
The Global Historical Climatology Network Dataset, a long-term series of worldwide
monthly climatic data.
The U.S. Historical Climatology Network Dataset, a long-term series of U.S. monthly
climatic data.
The Satellite Active Archive, a browse/inventory system for satellite data. See page 10
for additional details.
Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) data derived from the Defense
Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites.
Climate Visualization (CLIMVIS) graphical display software for viewing long-term
time series (bar graphs) of National Weather Service summary of day data and U.S.
climate divisional data, along with recent time series of Global summary of day data.
Also has map-contouring capability for U.S. data. See page 7 for additional details.
Publications such as: Products and Services Guide, the Climate Variations Bulletin,
and Technical Reports on major weather events (e.g., Hurricane Opal). Located under
'Products, Publications, and Services' icon.
CLIMATE VISUALIZATION (CLIMVIS)
CLIMVIS allows users to graphically display global daily data in monthly or longer data
plots, create daily contour maps of the U.S. for the past 50 years, and download data
values (e.g., daily maximum/minimum temperature) to a local file. The system guides the
user interactively via a map and other instructions through data selection by country, state,
and/or individual station(s). It creates GIF images which can then be downloaded for local
use along with data files of the values used in creating the image.
Available Datasets:
National Weather Service Summary of the Day: Approximately 300 currently active National
Weather Service stations are included, with a delay time (after end of data month) of about 8-10
weeks. This is our best quality and most complete data for these stations. Sixteen parameters for as
early as 1869 to present are available for data plotting and download. Contour maps can also be
created. See Global Summary of Day for additional U.S. stations.
Global Summary of the Day: Approximately 8000 active global stations, including over 1200
active U.S. stations are included, with a delay time (after end of data month) of about 4-5 weeks.
12 parameters for January 1994 to present are available for data plotting and download. These data
undergo considerable quality control, but the National Weather Service Summary of the Day is the
best choice for NWS sites.
Climate Division Data: Drought indices, precipitation, and temperature data by month for all U.S.
climate divisions are included, with a delay time (after end of data month) of about 1 week. Data
presented are the estimated averages for each division for that month. The period 1895 to present is
available for data plotting and download.
Three sample data plots and one sample contour map are shown on the following pages (not
included in ASCII text version of this guide). They provide a hint of what's available through this
system, which is now NCDC's most popular on line system. It's accessible via our homepage
(http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov)--click on ON LINE DATA ACCESS and then on CLIMVIS to use it.
THE SATELLITE ACTIVE ARCHIVE (SAA)
NOAA's Satellite Active Archive (SAA) is a revolutionary system designed to provide easy
access to satellite data. It is a gateway to NOAA's digital library of real-time and historical
satellite data collected by NOAA's Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES). The system
allows users to search inventories of satellite data, preview Earth images of that data, and
then download the data.
The SAA contains the POES AVHRR data from March 1, 1994 to the present and TOVS data from
July 1, 1995 to the present. Other satellite datasets and products will be added in the
near future. Users can obtain detailed information about current SAA datasets via the SAA
Homepage on the Internet. There are now two versions of the SAA. The telnet version, which
is the original version, allows users with an X-Windows emulator to create searches by drawing
a box over the study area. Recently, a more user-friendly version of the SAA has been added
and is available on the World Wide Web, eliminating the need for any X-Windows software.
Once the data requirements have been determined, an order may be placed electronically or for
copy to tape format. Up to eight datasets with no more than 5 mb of data each can be ftp'ed to
your site per session at no cost. For datasets larger than 5 mb, the data will automatically be
shipped to the user on magnetic tape at a charge of $50.00 for the first dataset and $30.00 for
subsequent datasets. The user must contact the NCDC to establish an open account for SAA if
tape orders will be made.
For SAA user assistance: 704-271-4850, saainfo@nesdis.noaa.gov. For other satellite
data/information (POES, GOES, DMSP, etc), also call 704-271-4850, or email
satorder@ncdc.noaa.gov.
ON-LINE ACCESS
AND SERVICE INFORMATION SYSTEM (OASIS)
The National Climatic Data Center maintains the On-Line Access and Service Information
System (OASIS) for selected NCDC data and metadata files. The system is designed for use by
scientific researchers with programming capabilities. Once connected to OASIS, users can
obtain these files by FTP computer access. Data are placed on-line as soon as possible after
receipt or processing. These data are available without charge via FTP for immediate
downloading (up to 5 MB), or users can order data for off-line delivery (standard NCDC
charges). Most datasets are available from NCDC in either enhanced BUFR or ASCII format,
and format information is available on-line. Data format translators are available. In addition
to data, important metadata are included with the on-line data. Station histories, data dictionaries,
field experiment information, and data inventories are included.
OASIS READ LIBRARY AND FILE DUMP PROGRAMS
To the left are instructions for accessing the read library and the file dump program to decode
enhanced BUFR, the data format on OASIS.
After you log in, you are now in a UNIX environment and will need to change directories to get
to the code. Go to directory: pub/E-BUFR/ebdump. Then display the contents of the directory
by typing ls or dir. There will be four files listed: ebdump.tar, README, ebdump.vax, and
README.vax. The README file contains instructions on the use of the read library and the
ebdump program. The ebdump.tar and ebdump.vax files contain an archive of the source code.
To download the files to your UNIX machine, type 'mget README ebdump.tar'; to download the files
to your VAX machine, type 'mget README.vax ebdump.vax'. You can logout of the server by typing
QUIT.
If you are on a UNIX system, you will have to use the tar command to extract the source code
from the archive. At your prompt, type 'tar xvf ebdump.tar'. If you do an ls command next,
you will see many files, including one named "Makefile." In order to compile the source code
and get an executable of the ebdump program, type 'make.' The ebdump program is an example
of how the read library can be used. It is a stand-alone program that can be used to view the
data. To execute ebdump, simply type 'ebdump'. The program will prompt you for the data to
display.
Users are encouraged to study the README file. There are many software routines to use
with enhanced BUFR formatted data. They are described in the README file. Software
routines whose names begins with BF extract information from buffer message sections.
Routine names that begin with DSP use extracted information and provide output. Ebdump is
intended as a prototype program to be used as a guide for users in writing their own programs
accessing the read library routines.
OASIS DATASETS
Process Time Before
Data Period of Record On-Line Availability
Wind Profiler
Winds-60 2 Years 1 « - 2 hours
Surface-60 Oct 96-latest 1 « - 2 hours
Moments-60 14 days 1 « - 2 hours
Moments-6 14 days 1 « - 2 hours
RASS-6 14 days 1 « - 2 hours
RASS-60 Oct 96-latest 1 « - 2 hours
NWS Surface Hourly Jan 92-latest 1-2 months
NWS Rawinsonde Jan 92-latest 1-2 months
NWS Precipitation
Hourly Jan 92-latest 8-9 months
15-Minute Jan 92-latest 8-9 months
N American Rawinsonde Jan 92-Apr 94 24 hours
Cooperative Summary of the Day (TD 3200)
State files Jan 92-Dec 93 As Required
U.S. Climate Division Data (TD 9640)
Monthly temp, precip, & four
drought indices 1895-latest month As Required
General Circulation Model
Carbon Dioxide 100 and 1000 year As Required
Field Experiments
CAPE Jun-Jul 1991 As Required
STORM-FEST Jan-Feb 1992 As Required
GCIP Jan-Apr 1992 As Required
NEXRAD Level II
Inventories Mar 1991-latest 2 months
SBUV UV/Ozone Data Apr 92-Apr 94 As Required
BULLETIN BOARD SYSTEM
The National Climatic Data Center's (NCDC) Bulletin Board System (BBS) is a PC-based system
with 400 MB of data storage. The bulletin board operates 24 hours/day using PC Board software as
its primary operating system, and can be accessed using most commercial modems, but not via
WWW. Simply follow the instructions given after dialing into the system.
NOTE: Call 704-271-4619 if you have technical questions.
NCDC Bulletin Board Products
There are several products available on the Bulletin Board, each having unique file name(s). Listed
below are the products currently available in the BBS. A $111 annual subscription fee is required
for some of the products.
Product Documentation has been developed for several of the data files listed below. This
documentation provides formats and further interpretation/clarification of the data. Without
using these files, the data are often difficult or impossible to understand. A separate file has
been developed for selected products. It is suggested that the documentation file for each
product you will be using be downloaded and printed for future use. The same format will be
used for all files with the same product name.
Preliminary Monthly Summary (HDD/CDD/TMP/PCP) Data for approximately 300 U.S. locations are
provided in a single file. Data for each location includes the heating and cooling degree day
totals, departures from normal, and seasonal totals to date; average monthly maximum, minimum,
and mean temperatures, and departure of the means from normal; and precipitation totals and
departures from normal.
Printable Local Climatological Data (LCD) - 132 column ASCII format. The printable
LCD contains exactly the same data as the printed version. The sequential order of
appearance of sections of the publication are not the same as the printed version. Note:
This report will "wrap-around" on 80 column printers. To prevent wrapping, customers
must use condensed print, utilize the DOS mode command, or have a 132 column printer.
Spreadsheet Local Climatological Data. The spreadsheet LCD contains 9 character
cells, delimited by commas, with text enclosed in quotes. It can be imported into most
commercial spreadsheet software.
Station Narratives. This 80 column printable narrative contains general information about
the location of each station, overall climatology, and highlights of expected weather for each
area. It is the same as that printed in the Annual Summary of the LCD.
Printable ASOS Local Climatological Data. Beginning in 1993, as part of a
modernization effort by the National Weather Service, additional data are being measured at
stations converted to the new Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS). A new format
for such stations has been developed and is known as the "ASOS Local Climatological
Data." A major difference between this publication and the standard LCD is that the
abridged hourly surface weather observations are available for every hour in the BBS. As
more stations are converted to ASOS operations, the number of ASOS LCD's will increase,
and the number of standard LCD's will decline.
ASOS Unedited Summary of the Day NWS Form F6. This product is roughly
analogous to the National Weather Service Form F6 which provides daily extremes and a
monthly summary for selected weather elements. Since it is exactly the same as the first
page of the Printable ASOS Local Climatological Data, it can be used as an abridged edition
of that publication. No hourly surface weather observations, hourly precipitation data, or
maximum short duration precipitation data are listed.
Daily Weather Highlights. This product is a narrative description of daily weather events
from around the United States derived from the National Weather Service's Automation of
Field Operations and Services (AFOS) system. Two files per day are produced which
include National Weather Service summaries that are released for distribution at 3 P.M. and
8 P.M. NCDC provides weekly updates of the files. The files are NOT available on the
same day they are produced.
Other Data and Services. The data available from the NCDC BBS represents only a tiny
fraction of the total amount of data archived at NCDC. For other sources of digital data
from NCDC, information can be obtained directly from the BBS. Some on-line data and
metadata are accessible via internet-ftp, and digital data are available on magnetic tape and
diskette. The downloadable BBS 'informational' files include:
(1) NCDC Products and Services Guide (3) Digital dataset summary
(2) Description of CD-ROM products (4) Inventories of selected digital datasets
Files will continue to be added to this system in the future. Please call (704) 271-4800 or fax (704)
271-4876 to order data or publications. Our Internet address is: orders@ncdc.noaa.gov
NCDC ON-LINE INVENTORIES
Following are instructions for obtaining various data inventories via internet from NCDC.
Follow the instructions below to access any of these inventories. They are accessible through our
mosaic/homepage server at -- http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov, or through direct ftp connection as
follows:
a) Enter: open ftp.ncdc.noaa.gov
b) Login is: ftp
c) Password is: your email address
d) You are now logged onto a UNIX workstation. Enter 'help' if you'd like a list of
available commands.
e) To move to the correct subdirectory, enter: cd /pub/data/inventories
f) To get a copy of the file descriptions, enter: get README.TXT destination (destination
is your output location and name)...e.g.-- get README.TXT c:README.TXT - copies to
hard drive c:
Note that file names are in all CAPITAL letters.
g) Then, to get a copy of any of the inventory files, use the same procedure, such as--get
COOP.TXT c:COOP.TXT
h) To logoff the system when finished, enter: bye
FILE DESCRIPTIONS:
FILE DESCRIPTION
CDROM.TXT A brief summary of the CDROM products available from
NCDC.
COMPLETE-GUIDE.TXT A products and services guide for NCDC. WP6 file is the
Wordperfect version.
COOP.TXT Historical cooperative station index through 1996, with
latitude, longitude, and elevation. Cooperative stations are
U.S. stations operated by local observers which generally
report max/min temperatures and precipitation. National
Weather Service (NWS) data are also included in this dataset.
The data receive extensive automated + manual quality
control. The index includes a county location cross-reference.
COOP-ACT.TXT Same as 'COOP.TXT' but only includes stations which are
currently active.
COOP-FULL.TXT Similar to 'COOP.TXT' but with some additional
COOP-FULLFMT.TXT information, such as time zone, relocation information, and
call letters/WBAN numbers for applicable stations. Get the
'COOP-FULLFMT.TXT' file for format documentation.
COOP-MAP.GIF GIF image showing location of active U.S. cooperative
stations.
COOP-STATE-CODES.TXT The 2-digit numbers for each state which correspond to the
first 2 digits of the cooperative station numbers.
COUNTRY-LIST.TXT Reference showing country names and the associated station
number ranges assigned for each country--see GLOBAL-
STATION-LIST.TXT' for further information.
DATASETS.TXT A brief summary of some of the major digital datasets
available from NCDC.
GLOBAL-SFC-1930-1995A.TXT Monthly inventory of worldwide surface observations
(B) for the TD9950 database from 1930-1995. These
(C) 5 files cover WMO blocks 01-19, 20-39, 40-59, 60-79,
(D) and 80-99 respectively. They contain the most complete
(E) inventory in this directory for these data. They can be used in
conjunction with other files described in this directory, such as
'GLOBAL-STATION-LIST.TXT.' There are currently about
10,000 hourly/synoptic stations active worldwide. The data
receive extensive automated quality control.
GLOBAL-SFC-1996.TXT Monthly inventory of worldwide surface observations for the
TD9950 database for 1996.
GLOBAL-STATION-LIST.TXT Global station list sorted by country and state, with
latitude/longitude/elevation. Shows all active worldwide
surface and upper-air observing stations which report
hourly and/or synoptic data. The 'COUNTRY-LIST.TXT' file
provides country-by-country information on station numbers
assigned.
GLOBAL-STATION-LIST2.TXT Global station list sorted by station number, with
latitude/longitude/elevation. Shows all active worldwide
surface and upper-air observing stations which report
hourly and/or synoptic data. The 'COUNTRY-LIST.TXT'
file provides country-by-country information on station
numbers assigned.
GLOBAL-STATION-LIST-
HISTORY.TXT Same as above but also shows inactive stations and a
chronology of stations since the early 1970's.
GLOBONLN.TXT Description of NCDC's global summary of day data
capabilities, with the latest month and some previous months
on-line via ftp and WWW/mosaic.
NEXRAD.TXT Inventory of NEXRAD level II data available from
NCDC.
NEXRAD- DESCRIPTION.TXT Descriptive information about NEXRAD level II and
level III data/products. Includes a list of all stations planned
for the network, and details concerning the type data available.
NEXRAD-LVL3.TXT Inventory of NEXRAD level III data available from
NCDC.
PUBLICATIONS.TXT A guide to publications available from NCDC.
STATION-HIST.WP5 WordPerfect-5.0 file with the station histories for U.S.
National Weather Service stations. Includes detailed
information on location, anemometer height, etc.
TD3280.TXT TD3280 (Navy, NWS first-order stations)
inventory--historical index of stations/periods of record
included in TD3280. Some stations which have incomplete
periods of record shown here have full periods of record in
the 'GLOBAL' inventories mentioned above. TD3280 data
receive extensive automated + manual quality control.
Generally, NCDC services requests for NWS/Navy hourly
data from this tapedeck, and requests for other
hourly/synoptic data from TD9950.
UPPERAIR.TXT Historical index of NCDC's new Comprehensive Aerological
Reference Dataset (CARDS)--a dataset of worldwide upper air
soundings collected from numerous sources. This index
includes each stations' latitude, longitude, elevation, and
beginning/ending date for data.
WBAN.TXT Historical WBAN index through 1995 (elevations are listed in
meters). WBAN's are received at NCDC for NWS and U.S.
military stations. This is an index of these stations -- many of
which have data in digital form.
ALPHA-WBAN.TXT
NUMERIC-WBAN.TXT
WBAN-FULLFMT.TXT Similar to 'WBAN.TXT' but with some additional
information, such as cooperative station number and WMO
number where applicable. The 'ALPHA' file is sorted by
station name, while the 'NUMERIC' file is sorted by WBAN
number. Get the 'WBAN-FULLFMT.TXT' file for format
documentation.
WBAN-MSC.TXT WBAN-AWSMSC-WMO cross reference--the WBAN index
and Global Station List (both mentioned above)
cross-referenced with World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) numbers. These are the 3 numbering systems used
by NCDC for national/international locations.
Notes: Most files are ASCII text format with a 'TXT' name extension (e.g., COOP.TXT). File
names are strictly upper-case. The files are updated periodically as resources/information allow.
To read any of the files (after downloading), you can use Wordperfect or any other editor. Of
course, Fortran or any other language may be used to read any of the files.
If you have technical questions about these inventories, please contact Neal Lott or Tom Ross:
Phone: 704-271-4995, x182 (N. Lott) 704-271-4994, x181 (T. Ross)
Email: nlott@ncdc.noaa.gov tross@ncdc.noaa.gov
Fax: 704-271-4876 704-271-4876
The data to which these inventories pertain (e.g., hourly surface data) are not available on-line
(Internet, etc). To place orders for data (magnetic tape, cartridge tape, 8 mm tape, diskette, paper
copy), please contact NCDC's Climate Services Branch (704-271-4800, Fax 704-271-4876,
Internet orders@ncdc.noaa.gov).
GLOBAL SURFACE SUMMARY OF DAY DATA
NCDC offers global surface Summary of Day data for over 8000 stations on-line via FTP
and WWW. These Summary of Day data files include the latest month's data (normally available
approximately 1 month after the end of the data month), along with all data since January 1994.
They are accessible through the NCDC homepage server at -- http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov or through
direct FTP connection as follows:
-- open ftp.ncdc.noaa.gov --password is: your email address
-- login is: ftp or anonymous -- directory for global summary of day:
/pub/data/globalsod
The directory has a 'readme.txt' file with information about the contents and individual file
names. The data are available as 7 regional files for the latest month or as 1 file containing all of
the data for the latest and previous months (in ASCII or compressed mode). Also, tar' files
containing each years' complete dataset are available--e.g., filename "all-1996.tar". The daily
elements included are:
Mean temperature (.1 Fahrenheit)
Mean dew point (.1 Fahrenheit)
Mean sea level pressure (.1 mb)
Mean station pressure (.1 mb)
Mean visibility (.1 miles)
Mean wind speed (.1 knots)
Maximum sustained wind speed (.1 knots)
Maximum wind gust (.1 knots)
Maximum temperature (.1 Fahrenheit)
Minimum temperature (.1 Fahrenheit)
Precipitation amount (.01 inches)
Snow depth (.1 inches)
Indicators for occurrence of: Fog Rain
Thunder Snow
Tornado/Funnel Cloud Hail
Also, NCDC provides the latest month in metric units as a separate file. Other periods of
historical Summary of Day data (as well as many other datasets) can be obtained off-line from
NCDC. Please contact NCDC's Climate Services Branch for additional information: 704-271-4800,
Fax - 704-271-4876, Internet - orders@ncdc.noaa.gov. For technical questions, contact Neal Lott--
nlott@ncdc.noaa.gov, 704-271-4995.
MONTHLY PRECIPITATION DATA
FOR U.S. COOPERATIVE & NWS SITES
The directory '/pub/data/coop-precip' contains historical monthly precipitation data for all
U.S. cooperative and National Weather Service stations. The periods of record vary by station,
with some stations having data back to about 1900, although many begin around the 1948 time
frame. The data files end with the latest complete year, and the directory has a data file for each
state (e.g., 'alabama.txt'), along with one file for several stations outside the U.S. such as Guam and
Puerto Rico (filename 'others.txt'). There are currently over 8000 NWS and cooperative weather
stations active and included in this directory, with many more currently inactive stations also
included. The file 'coop.txt' shows the location (latitude/longitude) for each of these stations. Also,
the files 'all-states.txt' and 'all-states.txt.Z' have the entire dataset in ASCII and compressed mode.
The files consist entirely of ASCII character data. A header record begins each file with the
station number, station name, state abbreviation, year, 12 months (Jan - Dec), and 'annual'
appearing from left to right. The monthly and annual precipitation amounts are in inches and
hundredths (e.g., 1122 = 11.22 inches). A value of '9999' indicates missing or incomplete data for
that month, with '99999' indicating missing for the yearly total. The monthly total is only presented
when all reported data are available and validated for that month. Likewise, the annual total is only
presented when every monthly total for the year was available. These data are taken from NCDC
digital database TD3220, which also contains additional elements such as temperature and snowfall.
These additional elements are available off line on tape or diskette.
Instructions for accessing these data:
- FTP (open) to 'ftp.ncdc.noaa.gov'
- Login as 'ftp'
- Use your email address as password
- Change directory to '/pub/data/coop-precip'
- Download files as needed, such as 'texas.txt' or 'south-carolina.txt'
NCDC also has a link to this directory on its WWW/Homepage server
(http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov). Other types of monthly and daily summary data (as well as many
other datasets) can be obtained off-line from NCDC. Please contact NCDC's Climate Services
Branch for additional information: Phone 704-271-4800, Fax 704-271-4876, Internet
orders@ncdc.noaa.gov. For technical questions, contact Neal Lott--nlott@ncdc.noaa.gov,
704-271-4995.
CD-ROM PRODUCTS
NCDC produces a suite of CD-ROM's with diverse environmental data ranging from global
tropical cyclone tracks, worldwide climatologies, and hourly surface data.
International Station Meteorological Climate Summary (ISMCS) Vers 4.0. Provides detailed
climatological summaries for 2600 locations worldwide. These locations include National Weather
Service stations, domestic and overseas Navy and Air Force sites, and numerous foreign stations.
Limited summaries are also given for approximately 4000 additional worldwide sites. This version
also contains year/month and long term mean precipitation data for 1000 foreign locations. Tabular
or statistical data can be exported to a printer or spreadsheet. Joint NCDC, USAF and U.S. Navy
product. $130.00, DOS only.
National Climate Information Disc - Vol 1. Provides monthly sequential temperature,
precipitation, and drought data for the 344 climate divisions in the contiguous U.S. The data can be
viewed in a tabular or graphical format and output sent to a printer. The CD-ROM covers the
period 1895-1989 and contains 1032 time-series graphs, 4180 maps, and 5400 frames of video
animation. NCDC product. $130.00, DOS only.
U.S. Navy Marine Climatic Atlas of the World - Vers 1.1. Includes analysis and display
software for climatological averages of atmospheric and oceanographic data. The data are
summarized with user-defined 1 and 5 degree grid areas covering the global marine environment.
The summaries are produced using predominately ship data collected between 1854-1969. The
major elements include air and sea temperature, dewpoint temperature, scalar wind speed, sea-level
pressure, wave height, wind and ocean-current roses. This CD-ROM allows the user to define
element intervals (e.g. 5 to 10 knots, 2 degree temperature intervals). The CD-ROM also allows
contouring for explicitly user-defined regions and exporting data to a printer or diskette. Narratives
for Mediterranean ports and ocean basin climatology narratives are included. Requires 540K of
RAM. U.S. Navy sponsored product. $130.00, DOS only
Global Upper Air Climatic Atlas (GUACA). This two-volume CD-ROM set uses 12-year
(1980-1991) 2.5 degree gridded upper air climatic summaries derived from the European Centre for
Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model analyses. The CD-ROM presents upper air
statistics for 15 different vertical levels in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere for dry bulb and
dewpoint temperature, geopotential height, air density, and vector and scalar wind speed. The
CD-ROM provides access/display software for gridpoint data, contouring capability for
user-defined areas, and vertical profiles. The climatology covers the 12-year period as well as
individual year-months. Joint NCDC and U.S. Navy product. $260.00, sold only as a set, DOS
only.
NOTE: An ASCII data CD-ROM (no graphic interface) is also available covering the 1980-1995
period at a cost of $75.00.
CLIVUE CD-ROM. The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) developed a CD-ROM in
support of a museum exhibit which traveled across the U.S. The CD contains a 1,500-station subset
of NCDC's nearly 8,000 U.S. daily cooperative stations. The user selects a date and area of the
U.S. and the CD-ROM database is queried for stations within the specified domain having data.
Then, the system displays daily maximum and minimum temperatures, precipitation, and snowfall
for the site. Graphs showing 7 years, 21 years, and the full period of record (varies by station) for
the station(s) are available. Visual displays allow users to view trends, variability, and extremes.
Joint NCDC and Franklin Institute product. $130.00, DOS only.
SAMSON CD-ROM Set. The Solar and Meteorological Surface Observational Network
(SAMSON) 3-volume CD-ROM set is divided geographically into regions: eastern, central, and
western U.S. It contains hourly solar radiation data along with selected meteorological elements for
the period 1961-1990. It encompasses 237 NWS stations in the United States, plus offices in Guam
and Puerto Rico. The dataset includes both observational and modeled data. The hourly solar
elements are: Extraterrestrial horizontal and extraterrestrial direct normal radiation; global, diffuse,
and direct normal radiation. Meteorological elements are: Total and opaque sky cover, temperature
and dew point, relative humidity, pressure, wind direction and speed, visibility, ceiling height,
present weather, precipitable water, aerosol optical depth, snow depth, days since last snowfall, and
hourly precipitation. Joint NCDC and NREL product. $130.00 per region or $390.00 per set,
DOS only.
Radiosonde Data of North America 1946-1995. Contains all available radiosonde data for North
America (U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean Islands) through the 100-mb level on four disks.
Periods covered are: 1946-1965, 1966-1979, 1980-1989, and 1990-1995. Data include significant,
mandatory, and special wind levels for all observation times, and include geopotential height,
temperature, dew point, wind direction, and scalar speed. The user can select for output to printer,
screen, or file: a single station or multiple stations for a defined time period, or all stations within a
specified geographic region in either synoptic or station sort. The CD contains available station
metadata, and software is available to access the data for DOS, UNIX and VMS computer systems.
Joint NCDC and ERL product. $520.00, four volume set.
NOTE: The latest single CD-ROM (1990-1995) is available separately for $130.00.
Global Tropical and Extratropical Cyclone Climatic Atlas (GTECCA) 2.0. This single
volume CD-ROM contains all global historic tropical storm track data available for five tropical
storm basins. Periods of record vary for each basin, with the beginning as early as the 1870s and
with 1995 as the latest year. Northern hemispheric extratropical storm track data are included from
1965 to 1995. Tropical track data includes time, position, storm stage (and maximum wind, central
pressure when available). The user has the capability to display tracks, and track data for any basin
or user-selected geographic area. The user is also able to select storm tracks passing within a
user-defined radius of any point. Narratives for all tropical storms for the 1980-1995 period are
included along with basin-wide tropical storm climatological statistics. Joint NCDC and U.S. Navy
product. Requires 520K of RAM memory. $130.00, DOS only.
Global Daily Summary (GDS). This CD-ROM provides access to a 10,000-station set of daily
maximum/minimum temperature, daily precipitation, and 3-hourly present weather for the
1977-1991 period of record. Data can be selected for viewing or output to file for geographic areas
or by a predefined user-selected list of stations. The dataset includes element flags for suspected
erroneous data. A data inventory contains station name, latitude/longitude, elevation, period of
record, and the number of observations of available data. Requires a bare minimum of 4MB of
RAM, with 8MB of RAM recommended. $130.00, DOS only.
Global Historical Fields (GHF) - Vers 1.0. This version has no data for the Southern
Hemisphere. This CD-ROM allows users to view daily surface charts for the period 1899 through
April 1994. Daily upper air charts (700mb, 500mb, 300mb) are available from the late 1940's
through April 1994. Surface charts contour sea level pressure only (not station plots); upper air
charts contour geopotential heights and temperatures. Charts can be contoured, looped, and
exported to a file or printer. Joint NCDC and U.S. Navy product. $130.00, DOS only.
U.S. Divisional and Station Climatic Data and Normals (USDS) Vol 1.0. This NCDC CD-ROM
contains a collection of ASCII text data and documentation files that pertain to the U.S. climate
normals and by-products of the normals. Climatic variables include temperature, precipitation,
degree days, and Palmer Drought Indices. The current normals period of 1961-1990 is covered
with monthly values calculated for approximately 6600 precipitation and 4700 temperature stations.
The earlier data/normals are provided for comparison and research applications. This CD-ROM
contains no software or extraction routines that allow users to import the data directly into
spreadsheets or other applications. Format and description of the files match NCDC magnetic tape
series TD-9640 and TD-9641. $130.00.
NCDC Cooperative Station Data. This NCDC 21 volume CD-ROM set has TD-3200 cooperative
station data. Major elements include daily high and low temperatures, daily rainfall, daily snowfall
and snow depth, and evaporation. General period of record is 1948-1993, but longer for selected
stations. There are approximately 8000 active stations in the dataset. Historically, approximately
23,000 stations are included for various years. States are grouped geographically into volume
numbers. The set contains inventories, station histories, and ASCII data files. Joint NCDC and
ARL project. An extraction program is provided on diskette. $75.00 volume or $1300.00 set.
NOTE: An annual 1994 single volume CD-ROM is available for $130.00.
Hourly Modeled Sounding Data. This 12 volume CD-ROM set contains hourly 80 KM modeled
gridpoint U.S. sounding data for 1990. This data is the output from the Penn State University MM4
model which used available daily sounding data for 1990 as input. Wind, temperature, dewpoint
depression, and geopotential height data for 8 standard and 15 variable levels are included in the
NWS TTAA, TTBB format. One of the applications of this CD-ROM is to access air pollution
impacts on a local scale. Joint NCDC and ARL product. Requires 544K of RAM. Sold only as a
set. $480.00, 12 volume set, DOS only.
Coastal-Marine Automated Network (C-MAN) Station and Buoy Reports and Summarized
Elements (SeaBreeze). This two volume CD-ROM set contains climatic summaries and archived
observations measured by National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) moored buoys and C-MAN stations
for 197 sites. The period of record generally covers a 3-20 year period depending on the station and
ends with December 1993. The two volume set consists of archived observations and climatic
summary tables. All measurements are included except for spectral wave data and subsurface
measurements. A map shows station locations and data inventories show measurements and time
periods for each station. The following elements are summarized: monthly frequency distributions
of wind speed, wind gust, sea level pressure, air and sea temperature, air-sea temperature difference,
dew point (where available), significant wave height, average and dominant wave period.
Additional tables include: wind speed versus direction, significant wave height versus dominant
and average wave periods, significant wave height versus wind speed. The individual monthly
means and extremes for all measurements are included. Stations with less than 3 years of data will
only have individual monthly means and extremes summarized. Joint NCDC and NDBC product.
Requires 420K of RAM memory. This item is sold only as a set. $260.00, DOS only.
NOAA Weather Charts-CD-ROM Subscription. The series is available as a subscription (one
year basis only) or as individual CD's, and contains weather charts most commonly used by
researchers and the general public. They are archived as PCX files on a monthly basis and serve as
a continuation of NCDC's microfilm archive. The series includes monthly CD-ROM editions of:
A) Surface and Upper Air Weather Charts; B) Initial Analysis and Forecast Charts; and C) Tropical
Strip /Precipitation and Observed Weather Charts. The CD-ROMs are available approximately
eight weeks after the close of the data month. Subscription orders begin with the February 1996
charts. Contact NCDC's Climate Services Branch at 704-271-4800, 4876 FAX, or
orders@ncdc.noaa.gov for additional chart details, hardware and software requirements, and
ordering information. $300.00 per year per chart series (A, B, or C), or at a reduced price of
$600.00 per year for the entire set. Back issues of the CD-ROMs will cost $75.00 per CD-ROM.
Polar Ice CD-ROM. The Arctic and Antarctic Sea Ice Data CD-ROM Version 1.0, contains
weekly ice data in the International Sea Ice in the Digital Form (SIGRID) format for 1972-1994 for
the Arctic and 1973-1994 for the Antarctic. This .25 degree grid structure includes total ice
concentration, thickness stage, and form of ice for the complete period of record. The SIGRID
format was designed to meet the sea ice requirements of large-scale climate and statistical studies.
The CD-ROM contains no display or extraction routines. The SIGRID reference file provides
detailed information concerning the coding system for digitizing sea ice chart data. Joint NCDC,
U.S. Navy, National Ice Center product. $75.00, DOS, but files can be converted to UNIX.
Important Notes
Many NCDC CD-ROM products were produced for use in a 'DOS' PC environment (listed
as 'DOS only') and will not work in a 'MAC' environment. In addition, the majority of
NCDC CD-ROMs were produced in a pre-Windows 95 environment and will not work
without PC configuration changes. Several CD-ROMs may not work under a Windows
environment. NCDC will provide a help sheet for Windows 95 users, if requested.
Many of the CD-ROMs present the data in an atlas type format (interactive software) rather
than as ASCII data files.
Starred items (**) indicate 520K or more of free RAM needed.
If you have technical questions, please call 704-271-4702.
Ordering Information
The NCDC's Climate Services Branch is responsible for distribution of NCDC CD-ROM products
to users (see below). Domestic users add a $11.00 service charge per order; foreign users add a
$21.00 service charge per order.
Mailing Address: National Climatic Data Center
151 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801-5001
Attn: Climate Services Branch
Telephone: 704-271-4800
Fax: 704-271-4876
Internet: orders@ncdc.noaa.gov
SPECIALIZED PRODUCTS
General Information
These Specialized Products can be provided on diskette or as paper copy (unless otherwise
indicated). There are charges involved for these services.
Wind Stratified Conditional Climatology (WSCC): This summary provides bivariate
distributions of ceiling and visibility classes vs wind direction as a function of the passage of time
out to 48 hours. In other words, for a given set of conditions at hour '00', the WSCC shows the
climatic probabilities for various conditions during the next 48 hours. The climatic probabilities are
calculated from the surface hourly data for the station, and can be produced for any station (U.S. or
foreign) with adequate observational data.
Cooperative Station Extremes Tabulation: This tabulation shows daily and monthly extremes
for the entire period of record (generally 1948 to present) for U.S. cooperative and National
Weather Service sites. There are currently over 8000 of these stations active. The elements
included are maximum/minimum temperature, precipitation, and snowfall.
Wind Rose Summary: This summary provides a statistical summary of wind speed vs wind
direction for any station (U.S. or foreign) reporting adequate observational data. Data are tabulated
in incremental 'bins' such as 0-3 miles per hour, 4-7 miles per hour, etc.
Summary of Meteorological Observations--Surface (SMOS): This is the same summary
presented in NCDC's ISMCS CDROM, and can be produced for any U.S. or foreign station with
adequate synoptic and/or hourly data. It provides 38 detailed climatic tables, such as:
- A one-page climate summary for the station with monthly averages and extremes of
temperature, precipitation (amount and/or frequency), cloudiness, humidity, winds, and
occurrence of various weather phenomenon (e.g., fog, thunderstorms).
- Frequency distribution of daily maximum and minimum temperatures by month.
- Bivariate distribution of dry vs wet bulb temperatures.
- Frequency distribution of wind direction vs wind speed by month-hour.
Local Climatological Data (LCD) For National Weather Service (NWS) Stations: This is
similar to the LCD publication, but provided on diskette for quick access. January 1984 through the
latest processed month are available as individual element files for each month (max/min
temperatures, precipitation, and heating/cooling degree days).
Comparative Climatic Data: This product contains climatological normals and averages for 270
NWS offices, in ASCII data files.
Hurricane Summaries on Diskette: A related product is the GTECCA CDROM (see CD-ROM
section for details). These statistical and narrative summaries of hurricanes cover the northern
Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and western Pacific as follows:
North Atlantic - 1886 through latest year available
East Pacific - 1949 through latest year available
West Pacific - 1946 through latest year available
Summary of Day Data for U.S. and Foreign Sites: This historical summary of day data can be
produced from any station reporting synoptic and/or hourly observational data. The format is the
same as the on-line global summary of day data. It includes the following elements for each day
available:
Mean temperature
Mean dew point
Mean sea level pressure
Mean station pressure
Mean visibility
Mean wind speed
Maximum sustained wind speed
Maximum wind gust
Maximum temperature
Minimum temperature
Precipitation amount
Snow depth
Indicators for occurrence of:
Fog
Rain
Snow
Hail
Thunder
Tornado/Funnel Cloud
DIGITAL DATASETS
General Information
1. The periods of record for these datasets vary considerably depending on data type and station
(if applicable).
2. All reference to QC pertains strictly to data checking and corrections performed within the
Federal Climate Complex by NCDC and/or AWS. Other gross QC is usually performed at the
point of origin such as NCEP and AFGWC.
3. The media available are: Magnetic tape (1600 or 6250 BPI), IBM 3480 cartridge tape,
diskette (3.5 or 5.25 inch), and Exabyte 8 mm tape. These options vary depending on database.
4. Cost to customer varies depending on data volume and the processing required to fill the
order.
5. This is only a summary of the major digital datasets available from NCDC. Other
datasets/data types (in addition to those listed below) are available. Contact NCDC's Climate
Services Branch for further information.
6. NCDC's WWW Homepage has numerous datasets and data inventories on-line at
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov. NCDC makes frequent updates to this system; users are encouraged
to review the Homepage periodically to view what is available.
7. Points of contact for information, cost estimates, and data requests:
National Climatic Data Center
Climate Services Branch
151 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Telephone: 704-271-4800
Fax: 704-271-4876
Internet: orders@ncdc.noaa.gov
DATABASE: Worldwide surface observations (hourly/synoptic). Includes 2
datasets - TD3280 and TD9950.
TD3280--Navy and first order National Weather Service (NWS) stations.
Data Type : ASCII character data.
Quality Control: Undergoes extensive automated and manual QC.
Data Origin: Mainly from ASOS-direct ingest, diskettes from the stations, and
keyed data for NWS stations; and from TD9950 (see below) for Navy stations.
Content/Elements:
- About 380 stations currently active.
- Includes most surface elements observed in the U.S. (wind speed and
direction, temperature, dew point, cloud data, sea level pressure, altimeter
setting, station pressure, present weather, and visibility). Wind gust,
precipitation amount, and snow depth are not included, but are placed in
TD3210 (see below).
- "Specials" are not included and only synoptic hours (every 3rd hour)
are included for 1965-1981 (for most stations).
Period of Record: 1948 to present.
Note: Request database manual for further details.
TD9950--Air Weather Service's (AWS) DATSAV2 Surface--worldwide stations.
Data Type: ASCII character data.
Quality Control: Extensive automated QC (all data); manual QC for USAF
stations.
Data Origin: Mainly from GTS, various other sources, and keyed data prior to
1973.
Content/Elements:
- About 10,000 stations currently active.
- Includes all surface elements observed internationally (see TD3280)
along with wind gust, precipitation amount, snow depth, and other
elements as reported by each station. Also includes "Specials."
- Observational practices vary by country.
Period of Record: 1973 to present with some data from 1930 to present.
Note: Request database manual for further details. It is possible to produce
summary of day data (1 record per day) from this dataset--18 elements
summarized as available.
DATABASE: Worldwide ship and buoy observations (hourly/synoptic). Includes 2
datasets - TD1129 and TD1171.
Data Type - ASCII character data.
Quality Control - Undergoes automated + some manual QC.
Data Origin - Data originate from GTS + some key entered data.
Content/Elements
- Includes elements observed by ships and buoys--temperature and dew point,
wind direction and speed, visibility, present weather, sea level pressure, sea
surface temperature, cloud data, ice data, and wave/swell heights and periods.
- Generally, buoys only observe temperature, wind, pressure, sea surface
temperature, and wave/swell data; while some ship reports include other elements.
Elements vary considerably by station.
Period of Record - As early as 1800's to present.
Notes - Request database documentation for further details.
- Occasionally, if needed observations are not found in TD1129 or TD1171, we
use TD9950 as a source.
DATABASE: Worldwide upper-air observations--TDF63 (multiple tapedecks).
Data Type - ASCII character data.
Quality Control - Undergoes some automated QC.
Data Origin - TD6301 originates mostly from diskettes sent from the stations (U.S. +
some Mexican), while other tapedecks originate from various sources such as GTS.
Content/Elements
- Includes all elements observed in upper air soundings--generally temperature,
dew point, wind direction and speed, and height of each pressure level.
Period of Record - Generally 1946 to present.
Notes - Request database documentation for further details.
- Also have North American data for 1946-1995 on 4-volume CDROM set.
DATABASE - Cooperative station summary of day data for the U.S.--TD3200.
Data Type - ASCII character data.
Quality Control - Undergoes automated and manual quality control.
Data Origin - All data are key entered.
Content/Elements
- Includes summary of day parameters such as maximum/minimum temperatures,
precipitation, and snowfall/snow depth. Some stations have additional data such as
evaporation and soil temperature.
- About 8000 stations currently active.
Period of Record - Generally 1948 to present (some late 1800's to present).
Notes- Request database manual for further details.
DATABASE: Summary of day data for National Weather Service (U.S.) and
Department of Defense (U.S. and foreign) sites. Includes 2 datasets--TD3210 and TD9953
(AWS's TDF34).
Data Type - ASCII character data.
Quality Control - Both datasets are QC'ed (automated + manual).
Data Origin - TD3210 currently originates from diskettes for NWS stations and TD9950
for Navy stations; TD9953 is key entered.
Content/Elements
- Includes maximum/minimum temperatures, precipitation, snow depth, peak
wind gust, sunshine, days with various weather phenomenon, and several other
elements for selected stations.
- About 600 stations currently active.
Period of Record - Generally 1940's to present with some data as old as the late 1800's.
Notes - Request database documentation for further details.
DATABASE: Monthly summary data for NWS and cooperative U.S. stations--TD3220.
Data Type - ASCII character data.
Quality Control - Undergoes automated and manual quality control.
Data Origin - Monthly summaries built from NWS and cooperative daily data as
described above.
Content/Elements
- Includes temperature (mean minimum, mean maximum, overall mean, extreme
minimum, extreme maximum), precipitation amount, and for selected stations--
snowfall, evaporation data, and soil temperature data.
- About 8000 stations currently active.
Period of Record - Generally 1948 to present (some late 1800's to present)
Notes - Request database manual for further details.
DATABASE: Hourly solar radiation and meteorological data for the U.S., Guam, and
Puerto Rico--TD3282.
Data Type - ASCII character data.
Quality Control- Underwent extensive QC of data.
Data Origin - Originated from 3 sources--NWS hourly surface data, NWS summary of
day data, and NREL solar radiation data.
Content/Elements
- Includes 5 solar radiation elements + 15 meteorological elements with both
observational and modeled data.
- 239 stations.
Period of Record - 1961 to 1990.
Notes- Request database manual for further details.
- Data are also available on 3-volume CDROM set.
DATABASE: Worldwide gridded upper-air analysis (multiple pressure levels).
Includes 2 datasets:
TD6140 (NGM and MRF data)--
Data Type - Binary data.
Quality Control - No quality control performed.
Data Origin - Data originate from NCEP's model output.
Content/Elements
- NGM: Covers U.S., southern Canada, and nearby coastal waters. 180 km by
180 km polar stereographic grid. Includes temperature, specific humidity, vertical
velocity, and u/v wind components from about 980 mb to 434 mb + 11 variables
for the surface. 12 analysis hours/day.
- MRF: Worldwide coverage. 2.5 degree by 2.5 degree grid. Includes
temperature, relative humidity, vertical velocity, geopotential, and u/v wind
components from 1000 mb to 50 mb + 3 variables for the surface. 4 analysis
hours/day.
Period of Record - 1991 to present.
Notes - Request database documentation for further details.
AWS's HIRAS--
Data Type - ASCII character data.
Quality Control - No quality control performed.
Data Origin - Data originate from AFGWC's model output.
Content/Elements
- Worldwide coverage.
- 4 analysis hours/day.
- On 2.5 degree by 2.5 degree grid.
- Includes temperature, dew point depression, specific humidity, precipitable
water, vorticity, relative humidity, u/v wind components, D-value, and tropopause
data from the surface to 10 mb.
Period of Record - 1985 to present.
Notes - Request database manual for further details.
DATABASE: Worldwide gridded cloud analysis--TD9951 (AWS's RTNEPH).
Data Type - Binary data.
Quality Control - Undergoes automated QC of data.
Data Origin - Data originate from AFGWC's model output.
Content/Elements
- 8 analysis hours/day.
- On polar stereographic grid (eighth-mesh--roughly 40 km by 40 km resolution).
- Includes cloud layer data (base, top, type, and amount) and total cloud amount
from surface reports and satellite data, along with present weather and visibility
from surface reports.
Period of Record - 1984 to present.
Notes - Request database manual for further details.
DATABASE: Global aircraft reports--TD6380.
Data Type - ASCII character data.
Quality Control - Undergoes automated QC.
Data Origin - Data originate from PIREPS, AIREPS, ASDAR, and ACARS reports.
Content/Elements
- Includes pressure altitude, temperature, relative humidity, dew point, wind
direction and speed, clouds, and turbulence.
Period of Record - Generally 1973 to present.
Notes - Request database manual for further details.
DATABASE: Remote-sensing data. Satellite (worldwide), wind profiler
(central U.S.), NEXRAD radar data (U.S. sites). See separate sections
for additional details.
Data Type - All are binary data.
Quality Control - Little or no QC performed on these data.
Data Origin - Data originate from the sensor (satellite, profiler, radar).
Content/Elements
- Satellite data are available in several datasets from NCDC's Satellite Services
Group.
- Profiler data are available from 1991 to present. (Selected data are on-line and
can be copied via FTP transfer.)
- NEXRAD data are available as level II and level III.
Period of Record - Varies depending on the dataset and station.
Notes - Request database documentation for further details.
DATABASE: Worldwide gridded snow depth climatology--TD9954 (produced by AWS).
Data Type - ASCII character data.
Quality Control - Underwent extensive automated and manual QC.
Data Origin - Utilized many sources of information to produce the climatology.
Content/Elements
- Climatic averages of snow depth by month on polar stereographic grid
(eighth-mesh--roughly 40 km by 40 km resolution).
Notes - Request database manual for further details.
NEXRAD DATA
NEXRAD LEVEL II (DIGITAL BASE DATA)
Level II data are digital base data output from the Radar Data Acquisition's (RDA's) signal
processor in polar format containing status messages, performance/maintenance data, volume scan
strategy, clutter filter bypass map, and wideband communication console messages. The
meteorological elements included are base reflectivity, base velocity, and base spectrum width.
Initially, Level II recorders were placed at selected sites for use when significant weather events
were taking place. As the system developed, it became apparent that Level II data would be
important in properly calibrating the radars, in research applications, and to test revised
algorithms. Current plans call for level II recorders to be placed at all WSR-88D sites.
Exabyte tape drives and 8mm tapes are used as recording devices and media. Each tape can hold
approximately 4.7 gigabytes of data and, depending on operational mode of the model and
recorder model used, one tape may be filled about every 1.8 days for each site. These tapes are
received at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) from individual sites and are processed on
a series of 8505 Exabyte drives, reblocked, cataloged, inventoried, and archived.
The WSR-88D is a very complex system. Program modifications and engineering changes are
common. Early models experienced difficulties in the recording of Level II data and even today
tapes are received that contain spurious, erroneous, or illegal configurations. The user is
cautioned that these anomalies may be encountered while reading the archived tapes, and in some
cases, data gaps are evident.
Personnel at the NCDC will be glad to assist in solving problems encountered in reading the tapes;
however, technical questions about the data themselves must be addressed to the:
NWS/Operational Support Facility
Applications Branch
1200 Westheimer Drive
Norman, OK 73069
Telephone: (405) 366-6530
Fax: (405) 366-6550
The NCDC also distributes the software, including source codes, to display the WSR-88D Level II
data. Reflectivity, velocity, and spectrum width are displayed while the level II tape is being read
and written to disk, or images can be displayed after the data have been written to disk. The
WSR-88D Visualization Software (WVS) runs on SUN, IBM, HP, and SGI unix-based
workstations. A copy of WVS may be obtained either by mail on 8mm tape or through ftp.
Also, NEXRAD inventories are available via the World Wide Web (WWW):
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov. Click on ON-LINE DATA ACCESS' and WSR-88D MAIN
DIRECTORY' to reach the inventories, WVS, and other information related to NEXRAD data.
NEXRAD LEVEL III (PRODUCTS)
There are a total of 24 Level III products routinely available from the National Climatic Data
Center (NCDC) which include 7 graphic products in clear air mode, 11 graphic products in
precipitation mode, 5 graphic overlays and 1 alphanumeric product. Products are stored on Write
Once Read Many (WORM) optical disks that are sent to the NCDC by National Weather Service
Nexrad sites for archive and distribution to customers. Each product will include state, county,
and city background maps. Level III graphic products are available only as color hard copy, gray
scale hard copy or acetate overlay copies. The following is a list of the Nexrad Level III products
available from NCDC:
Base Reflectivity (R) - A display of echo intensity measured in dBZ.
Base Spectrum Width (SW) - A measure of velocity dispersion within the radar sample volume.
Base Velocity (V) - A measure of the radial component of the wind either toward the radar
(negative values) or away from the radar (positive values).
Composite Reflectivity (CR) - A display of maximum reflectivity for the total volume within the
range of the radar.
Echo Tops (ET) - An image of the echo top heights color coded in user-defined increments.
Hail Index Overlay (HI) - A product designed to locate storms which have the potential to
produce hail.
Mesocyclone Overlay (M) - This product is designed to display information regarding the
existence and nature of rotations associated with thunderstorms.
One-hour Precipitation (OHP) - A map of estimated one hour precipitation accumulation on a
1.1 x 1.1 nm grid.
Severe Weather Probability Overlay (SWP) - A measure of a storms relative severity as
compared with those storms around it.
Storm Structure (SS) (Alphanumeric product) - A table displaying information on storm
attributes which include maximum reflectivity, maximum velocity at lowest elevation angle, storm
overhang, mass weighted storm volume, storm area base and top, storm position and storm tilt.
Storm Total Precipitation (STP) - A map of estimated storm total precipitation accumulation
continuously updated since the last one-hour break over the entire scope.
Storm Tracking Information Overlay (STI) - A product which shows a plot of the past hours
movement, current location, and forecast movement for the next hour or less for each identified
thunderstorm cell.
Tornadic Vortex Signature Overlay (TVS) - A product which shows an intense gate to gate
azimuthal shear associated with tornadic-scale rotation.
VAD Wind Profile (VWP) - A graphic display of wind barbs plotted on a height staff of 500 ft or
1000 ft increments.
Vertically Integrated Liquid (VIL) - The water content of a 2.2 x 2.2 nm column of air which is
color coded and plotted on a 124 nm map.
NCDC's SATELLITE DATA, PRODUCTS, and SERVICES
Satellite data and derived products from NOAA's satellite systems are available through the
National Climatic Data Center. The two primary systems are the Geostationary Operational
Environmental Satellite (GOES), which started in 1975, and the Polar Orbiting Environmental
Satellite (POES), which began as the TIROS series in 1960. The NCDC also archives SSM/I,
SSM/T1 and SSM/T2 data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites.
For a complete listing of satellite data, products and services, please visit the new Satellite Data,
Products, and Services Web site at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/psguide/satellite/sathome.html.
About NOAA's Satellites
NOAA's newest series of GOES satellites are three-axis body stabilized and equipped with a
separate Imager and Sounder, replacing the old VAS (VISSR Atmospheric Sounder) instrument.
Currently, there are two operational GOES satellites, GOES-8 and GOES-9, launched April 1994
and May 1995, respectively. Both are in Earth-synchronous orbits with GOES-8 positioned over
the equator at 75 W longitude and GOES-9 positioned over the equator at 135 West longitude.
The Imager instrument consists of five channels ranging from the visible to the longwave infrared
channel. The visible channel has a resolution of 1km while most of the infrared channels have a
resolution of 4km at nadir. The Sounder, carrying 18 thermal infrared channels, is capable of
making over 50,000 soundings per hour, which is particularly useful over data sparse regions of
the Western Hemisphere. Each of the GOES satellites scans predetermined areas of the earth from
the mid Pacific region to the eastern Atlantic region. During routine mode, observations are taken
over the United States four times every hour, but when severe weather threatens, the GOES
Imager is capable of one minute interval observations over a smaller area. A variety of products
from the Sounder and Imager are created operationally to improve near real-time and long range
forecasts.
The POES satellite system offers the advantage of daily global coverage, by making nearly polar
orbits roughly 14.1 times daily. Since the number of orbits per day is not an integer, the sub-
orbital tracks do not repeat on a daily basis, although the local solar time of each satellite's
passage is essentially unchanged for any latitude. Currently in orbit are NOAA-12 and NOAA-14; thus,
there is global coverage four times daily. The satellite system includes the AVHRR (Advanced
Very High Resolution Radiometer) and the TOVS (Tiros Operational Vertical Sounder). The
AVHRR is equipped with five spectral channels in wavelengths similar to the GOES Imager. The
TOVS carries three types of sensors: Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU), Stratospheric Sounding
Unit (SSU), and High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder/2 (HIRS/2). Operational products
such as the Global Vegetation Index, Sea Surface Temperatures, Total Stratospheric Ozone, and
TOVS Soundings are created and archived at NCDC.
Satellite Active Archive (SAA)
NOAA's Satellite Active Archive (SAA) is a revolutionary system designed to provide easy access
to satellite data. It is a gateway to NOAA's digital library of real-time and historical satellite data
collected by NOAA's Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES). The system allows users
to search inventories of satellite data, preview representative Earth images of that data, and
download the data for further processing and analyses.
Users can access AVHRR data from June 1, 1994 to the present and TOVS data from July 1, 1995
to the present using a Web Browser. Other satellite datasets such as the DMSP SSM/I, SSM/T1,
SSM/T2, and Level 1b data will be added in the near future. The WWW address is:
http://www.saa.noaa.gov.
Once the data requirements have been determined, an order may be placed electronically for ftp or
copy to tape format. Up to thirty-two datasets with no more than 10 MB of data each can be ftp'ed
to your site per session at no cost! For datasets larger than 10 MB, the order system will
automatically set the order to tape output for a fee of $50.00 for the first dataset and $30.00 for
subsequent datasets. The user must contact the NCDC to establish an open account for SAA, prior
to placing tape orders. For one-time orders, contact the Satellite Services Group and provide the
SAA entity IDs along with a means of payment.
Digital Satellite Data and Products
Polar Operational Environmental Satellite (POES):
LEVEL 1b DATASETS:
AVHRR GAC, LAC, and HRPT 10/78 - Present
TOVS MSU, SSU, HIRS/2 10/78 - Present
PRODUCTS:
TOVS Sounding Product 01/01/79 - Present
Vegetation Index/AVHRR (3rd Generation) 04/01/85 - Present
Plate Carree Projection only!! 16km gridded
Weekly Composite (B-level)
Monthly Product (C-level)
Climatology (D-level)
Heat Budget Data--
Monthly Mean 01/01/79 - Present
Seasonal 06/01/74 - Present
Mapped GAC Imagery--
Polar Stereographic 12/22/78 - Present
Mercator 06/24/85 - Present
Sea Surface Temperature Data--
7 - 8 Day Observation File/AVHRR 12/01/78 - Present
250 km Monthly Mean Data from AVHRR 01/31/79 - Present
100 km Analysis (Global Scale) from AVHRR 12/01/72 - Present
50 km (Regional Scale) and 500 km 03/01/74 - Present
14 km Analysis (Local-Scale) from AVHRR 01/01/86 - Present
Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES):
GVAS & GVAR DATA:
Full Disk and Sectors 03/01/75 - Present
PRODUCTS:
Sounding Products 02/01/95 - Present
Cloud and Moisture Drift Winds 02/01/95 - Present
Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP):
LEVEL 1b DATASETS:
Special Sensor Microwave/
Temperature(SSM/T) 08/18/87 - Present
Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) 08/18/87 - 06/06/96
PRODUCTS:
Temperature, Sensor, and Environmental
Data Records (TDR,SDR,EDR) 07/16/87 - Present
SSM/T Sounding Product 01/01/89 - Present
SSM/I Monthly Gridded Products-- 01/01/87 - 12/31/94
Precipitation
Snow Cover/Sea ice
Total Precipitable Water
Cloud Liquid Water
Oceanic Surface Wind Speed
RTNEPH Layered Cloud Amount,
Type, Base, Height 01/01/84 - Present
(Global analysis on 40km grid, every 3 hours)
International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP):
B1 Radiance Data (10km) from GOES
VISSR/VAS 07/01/83 - Present
B1 Radiance Data (10km) from GMS 07/01/83 - Present
B1 Radiance Data (10km) from METEOSAT 07/01/83 - Present
B2 Radiance Data (30km) from NOAA Polar
Orbiters 07/01/83 - Present
B3 Radiance Data (30km, 3hr) from NOAA
Polar Orbiters 07/01/83 - 06/30/94
B3 Radiance Data (30km, 3hr) from GOES 07/01/83 - 06/30/94
B3 Radiance Data (30km, 3hr) from
METEOSAT 07/01/83 - 06/30/94
B3 Radiance Calibration Tables (3hr for each
satellite) 07/01/83 - 06/30/94
C1 Global Cloud Data (3hr, 280km grid,
satellites merged)all 07/01/83 - 06/30/91
C2 Global Cloud Data (monthly, 280km grid,
all satellites merged) 07/01/83 - 06/30/91
D1 Global Cloud Data (3hr, 280km grid) 06/01/86 - 12/31/92
(replaces C1 Data-will be processed back to
1983, gap in yrs 1987-89)
D2 Global Cloud Data (monthly, 280km grid) 01/01/90 - 12/31/92
(replaces C2 Data-will be processed back to
1983, gap in yrs 1987-89)
Aerosols:
Optical Thickness (OT) Observations 06/87 - Present
OT Weekly Analyzed Fields 06/87 - Present
OT Monthly Analyzed Fields 06/87 - Present
Non-digital Satellite Products
AVHRR Imagery:
Local Area Coverage (LAC) 04/01/85 - Present
High Resolution Picture Transmission (HRPT) 04/01/85 - Present
Global Area Coverage (GAC) by satellite pass 10/30/78 - Present
GOES Imagery:
Visible and Infrared Hardcopy Imagery 01/01/78 - Present
Sea Surface Temperature Charts:
250km Global Monthly Mean Charts 07/01/81 - Present
50km Regional Charts (selected regions) 04/01/76 - Present
14km Local Charts (mainly U.S. coastal areas 01/01/86 - Present
Gulf Stream Anal. Charts-North/South Panels 10/19/78 - 09/30/95
Aerosol Charts:
100 km Weekly Contour 10/19/78 - Present
Monthly Mean 10/19/78 - Present
NOTE: Please contact NCDC's Satellite Services Group (see below) for prices and availability
of other satellite data. NCDC has documentation for many of the above mentioned datasets which
are provided at no charge. The ISCCP documentation and Polar Orbiter Data User's Guide are
available on the Internet. Go to NCDC's Satellite Data Products and Services Home Page and
click on Listing of Satellite Data and Products. The km' figures listed above (e.g., 10km) refer
to the resolution of the instrument, such as 10 kilometer. The hr' values (e.g., 3hr) refer to the
frequency of the product, such as every 3 hours.
Satellite Data Price and Order Guide
The National Climatic Data Center maintains an extensive archive of digital data, as well as
non-digital satellite data, including miscellaneous slides, prints, film, and VHS tapes of special
events too numerous to list. Please contact the Satellite Services Group for details and to confirm
prices, ordering procedures, and print and digital formats.
Digital Orders:
Media Type--
- Round tapes (1600/6250bpi)
- IBM 3480 cartridges
- 8mm Exabyte tapes
- 4mm DAT tapes
- CD-ROM
Processing Fees--
- $75.00 per dataset or input tape ($80.00 per GOES dataset)
- $11.00 per tape or CD-ROM output
- $11.00 service and handling per domestic order/$21.00 per foreign order
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Services:
GOES data in McIDAS area format--
- $45.00 per scene (image)
POES-AVHRR and TOVS data in level 1b format--
(Access via Satellite Active Archive)
- Free for subsetted datasets
DMSP SSM/I gridded datasets--
- Free from NCDC's WWW homepage (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov)
NOTE: FTP services are possible for many other satellite datasets at costs similar to other output
formats.
Hard Copy AVHRR and GOES Images:
Custom* 8" X 10" Prints/Transparencies
- $85.00 per glossy finish
Reproduction Prints/Transparencies
- $25.00 per glossy finish
Extra copies
- $5.00 each
35mm slides
- Add $25.00 to the above fees where appropriate
NOTE: Please add $5.00 service & handling for orders less than $50 and $11.00 s/h for orders of
at least $50. Custom images are created for customer defined areas, dates, times, and channels,
and generally have special enhancements. These images are processed from the original data files
(level 1b from POES and GVAR from GOES) using McIDAS display and processing software.
When ordering, please specify satellite, geographic area, feature wanted shown, satellite channel
(visible vs. infrared), resolution, map projection, date, and UTC time.
Reproduction images are readily available and can be copied from NCDC's image library. The
majority of these images include special events such as hurricanes, blizzards, volcanic eruptions,
forest fires, etc. Hundreds of these images are available as GIF files on NCDC's Web site. The
WWW address is: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov. Click on "On-Line Data Access" and then on
"Images of Hurricanes and other Storms".
NCDC maintains an archive of miscellaneous slides, prints, film, and VHS tapes of non-special
and special events taken by various satellites too numerous to list here. Please contact the Satellite
Services Group at the NCDC for details:
Telephone: 704-271-4850
Facsimile: 704-271-4876
E-mail: satorder@ncdc.noaa.gov
PUBLICATIONS
Following is a brief summary of publications available from the National Climatic Data Center
(NCDC). Unless otherwise noted, the summaries are for U.S. locations only. However, there are
a number of worldwide summaries/publications. For publications listed as available from NTIS,
the phone number is 703-487-4650. Otherwise, please contact NCDC for information on pricing
and availability. Some publications are out of print and available on microfiche/microfilm only
(* items).
National Climatic Data Center
Climate Services Branch
Federal Building
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: 704-271-4800
Fax: 704-271-4876
Internet: orders@ncdc.noaa.gov
HISTORICAL CLIMATOLOGY SERIES
1-1 A Long Record of Weather Observations at Cooperstown, NY, 1854-1977
1-2 Ninety-One Years of Weather Records at Yellowstone National
Pk., WY, 1887-1977
1-3 A Long Record of Weather Observations in Southeastern Iowa, 1839-1979
2-1 Index of Historical Surface Weather Records, New York
2-2 A History of Sunshine Data in the U.S., 1891-1980 *
2-3 Inventory of Sources of Long Term Climatic Data
3-1 Atlas of Mean Winter Temperature Departures From the Long-
Term Mean over the Contiguous U.S., 1895-1983
3-2 Atlas of Mo. & Sea. Temp Departures, (Winter), 1895-1983
3-3 Atlas of Mo. & Sea. Temp Departures (Spring), 1895-1983
3-4 Atlas of Mo. & Sea. Temp Departures (Summer), 1895-1983
3-5 Atlas of Mo. & Sea. Temp Departures (Fall), 1895-1983
3-6 Atlas of Monthly Palmer Hydrological Drought Indices
(1895-1930) for the Contiguous U.S.
3-7 Atlas of Monthly Palmer Hydrological Drought Indices
(1931-1983) for the Contiguous U.S.
3-8 Atlas of Monthly Palmer Moisture Anomaly Indices
(1895-1930) for the Contiguous U.S.
3-9 Atlas of Monthly Palmer Moisture Anomaly Indices
(1931-1984) for the Contiguous U.S.
3-10 Atlas of Monthly Palmer Drought Severity Indices
(1895-1930) for the Contiguous U.S.
3-11 Atlas of Monthly Palmer Drought Severity Indices
(1931-1983) for the Contiguous U.S.
3-12 Atlas of Monthly and Seasonal Precipitation Departures from
Normal (1895-1985) for the Contiguous U.S. - Winter
3-13 Atlas of Monthly and Seasonal Precipitation Departures from
Normal (1895-1985) for the Contiguous U.S. - Spring
3-14 Atlas of Monthly and Seasonal Precipitation Departures from
Normal (1895-1985) for the Contiguous U.S. - Summer
3-15 Atlas of Monthly and Seasonal Precipitation Departures from
Normal (1895-1984) for the Contiguous U.S. - Fall
3-16 Probabilities and Precipitation Required to End/Ameliorate
Droughts
4-1 State, Regional, and National Monthly and Annual Temperatures
Weighted by Area, 1931-1991
4-2 State, Regional, and National Monthly and Annual Precipitation
Weighted by Area, 1931-1991
4-3 Regional and National Monthly, Seasonal and Annual
Temperature Weighted by Area, 1895-1983
4-5 Time Series of Regional Seasonal Averages of Maximum,
Minimum, and Average Temperature, and Diurnal Temperature
Range Across the United States, 1901-1987
4-7 Climate Variations Bulletin (nationwide climate divisional
data) - Preliminary report showing current monthly climate
anomalies in a historical perspective using climate databases
archived at NCDC. Back issues (monthly since 1989)
5-1 State, Regional, and National Monthly and Seasonal Heating
Degree Days Weighted by Population, 1931-1992
5-2 State, Regional, and National Monthly and Seasonal
Cooling Degree Days Weighted by Population, 1931-1991
5-3 Percent of Normal, State, Regional, and National Monthly and
Seasonal Heating Degree Days Weighted by Population, 1931-1983
5-4 Percent of Normal, State, Regional, and National Monthly and
Seasonal Cooling Degree Days Weighted by Population, 1931-1982
6-1 Statewide Average Climatic History (1983)
6-2 Tropical Cyclones of the N. Atlantic Ocean, 1871-1992 with annual updates
6-3 Climatic Averages and Extremes for U.S. Cities (274 cities)
6-4 Climates of The World
MARINE PUBLICATIONS
Climatic Summaries for NDBC Data Buoys (1986) - Seasonal/Annual Persistence of
Wind Speed and Wave Height Events
Climatic Summaries for NDBC Buoys and Stations Update 1 (1990) - Seasonal/Annual
Persistence of Wind Speed and Wave Height Events
Marine Climatological Summaries, 1961-70 (10 vols) - Approx- 50-75N, 50-170W
Summary of Synoptic Meteorological Observations (SSMO): Most World Coastal
Marine Areas, 1850-1979 (97 vols) Great Lake Areas, 1960-73 (4 vols)
U. S. Navy Climatic Study of the Caribbean Sea & Gulf of Mexico:
Volume 1, W. Caribbean Sea & Central American Waters
Volume 2, E. Caribbean Sea
Volume 3, Florida Coastal Waters & SW Atlantic
Volume 4, Gulf of Mexico
U. S. Navy Regional Climatic Studies:
Mediterranean Sea (1987)
Northern California Operating Area (1988)
Southern African Waters (1989)
U.S. Atlantic Coast & Associated Waters (1989)
Mozambique and Adjacent Waters (1989)
Barents Sea and Adjacent Waters (1991)
Sea of Okhotsk and Adjacent Waters (1991)
Greenland, Iceland, UK, & Associated Waters (1992)
Persian Gulf and Northern Arabian Sea (1992)
Red Sea and Adjacent Waters (1993)
Gulf of Aden and Adjacent Waters (1993)
North Sea, Celtic Sea, Irish Sea, Assoc Wtrs (1994)
Climatic Studies of the Near Coastal Zone:
East Coast of the U.S. (1976)
West Coast of the U.S. (1976)
Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman (1980)
Malacca and Sunda Straits (1982)
Red Sea South & Gulf of Aden (1982)
Southern Calif. Operating Area (1984)
Climatic Atlas of the Outer Continental Shelf Waters and Coastal Regions of Alaska:
Vol I, Gulf of Alaska (1988)
Vol II, Bering Sea (1988)
Vol III, Chukchi-Beaufort Sea (1988)
Vol I, Gulf of Alaska (1977)
Vol II, Bering Sea (1977)
Vol III, Chukchi-Beaufort Sea (1977)
Climatic Summaries:
Major Seventh Fleet Ports and Waters (1973)
Major Indian Ocean Ports and Waters (1974)
Environmental Guides:
Seven U.S. Ports (1972)
U.S. Gulf Coast (1972)
Mona Passage Area (1974)
Environmental Scenarios:
Northeast Atlantic (1973)
Northeast Pacific (with errata) (1974)
Bermuda (1974)
North Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1950-1980. *
Mariners Worldwide Climatic Guide to Tropical Storms at Sea - Narrative information and
charts showing storm tracks, frequency maps and tropical cyclone roses.
U.S. Navy Hindcast Spectral Ocean Wave Model Climatic Atlas: Historical environmental
dataset in the form of a wind and wave climatology. Data in the Atlas were produced by
applying the Spectral Ocean Wave Model in hindcast mode to historical wind and pressure
fields. Areas: North Atlantic Ocean - North Pacific Ocean - Mediterranean Sea.
Wind and Wave Summaries for Selected U.S. Coast Guard Operating Areas - Describes wind
and wave conditions for the U.S. East Coast, Great Lakes and Eastern Pacific. Available
from NTIS on microfiche only: Document No. AD-A130 647.
Addendum to Wind and Wave Summaries for Selected U.S. Coast Guard Operating Areas -
Contains additional sites for the locations given in the first summary along with U.S. West
Coast and Hawaiian locations. Also included is a section on coastal site wind statistics for the
U.S. Coast.
Mariners Weather Log: January 1957 to present (published quarterly). Microfiche available
1972 to present from NTIS.
RAINFALL FREQUENCY ATLASES & EVENT STATISTICS
TP-40: Rainfall Frequency Atlas of the U.S. - Weather Bureau Technical Paper No. 40 -
Presents 49 U.S. rainfall frequency maps for selected durations from 30 minutes to 24 hours
and return periods from 1 to 100 years.
HYDRO-35: Five- to 60-Minute Precipitation Frequency for the Eastern and Central U.S.
(Supersedes TP-40 above for the eastern 2/3 of the U.S. for durations of 1 hr. and less.) -
Presents 6 U.S. rainfall frequency maps for durations of 5, 15 and 60 minutes at return
periods of 2 and 100 years. Equations are given to derive 10- and 30-minute values between
2 and 100 years.
NOAA Atlas 2: Precipitation Frequency Atlas of the Western U.S. (Supersedes TP-40 above
for the 11 western states) - Contains maps for the 6- and 24-hour durations for return periods
of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years.
Rainfall Event Statistics - Created for stormwater/wastewater discharge applications.
Includes rainfall and evaporation data such as wet and dry day counts and storm frequencies,
depths, and durations. Other evaporation-related parameters are estimated by using monthly
means of temperature, cloud cover, relative humidity, and wind speed for each climatic
division in the U.S. Available for over 3,200 U.S. cities.
MISCELLANEOUS SUMMARIES
Local Climatological Data - Monthly climatic data for National Weather Service locations. **
Climatological Data - Monthly climatic data by state for over 8000 stations in the U.S. **
Hourly Precipitation Data - Monthly precipitation data for over 2500 U.S. stations. **
Storm Data - Monthly summary of storms/related damage for the U.S. **
Monthly Climatic Data for the World - Monthly climatic data for worldwide locations. **
Climatic Atlas of the U.S., 1931-60 - Contoured maps of climatic averages for the U.S.
Climatological Summaries, 1951-80 (No. 20) - Climatic summaries by city for the U.S.
Freeze/Frost Data (No. 20 Sup. 1) - Freeze/frost statistics for over 3000 U.S. locations.
Climates of the States (No. 60) - Climatic summaries by state.
Monthly Normals, 1961-90 (No. 81):
Monthly Station Normals-Temperature, Precip, & Heating/Cooling Degree Days, 1961-90.
Monthly Precipitation Probabilities, 1961-90, No. 81 Sup. 1.
Annual Degree Days to Selected Bases, 1961-90, No. 81 Sup. 2.
Maps of Annual 1961-90 Normal Temperature, Precipitation, & Degree Days, No. 81 Sup. 3.
Summary of Hourly Observations, 1951-60 (No. 82) - Hourly observational summary by city.
Daily Normals, 1961-90 (No. 84) - U.S. daily normals by city.
Divisional Normals/Standard Deviations, 1931-90 (No. 85) - U.S. normals by climatic division
for: Temperature and Precipitation, Heating and Cooling Degree Days.
Climatological Summary of States, 1951-60 (No. 86) - Statewide climatic summaries.
Airport Climatological Summary, 1965-74 (No. 90) - Climatic summaries, U.S. airport
locations.
Comparative Climatic Data, nationwide, 1995 edition - Climatological tables for U.S. cities.
** Available by subscription.
SOLAR RADIATION PUBLICATIONS
Mean Daily Solar Radiation, monthly and annual maps.
Annual Average Daily Global Solar Radiation on a South Facing Surface (1952-75).
Input Data for Solar Systems (1941-70) - Contains:
Normal max, min and mean temperatures.
Normal heating and cooling degree days.
Monthly mean daily total solar radiation.
Insolation Data Manual (1952-75) - Contains statistics from "Input Data for Solar Systems" and
a global cloudiness index.
Direct Normal Solar Radiation Data Manual (1952-75) - Long term, monthly mean, daily totals
for 235 National Weather Service Stations.
Solar Radiation Energy Resource Atlas of the U.S. (1952-75) - Contains maps of monthly and
annual values of:
Global average solar radiation.
Global average direct normal solar radiation.
Global average diffuse solar radiation.
Available from NTIS. Microfiche presentations available from NCDC. Include monthly
& annual data in microfiche or photocopy form for 237 stations (up to 3 fiche per
station).
Solar Radiation and Radiation Balance Data (The World Network) - Contains year-to-year
monthly and annual means of global solar radiation, radiation balance and sunshine duration for
the periods 1964-1968, 1969-1973, 1974-1979 and 1980-1984. Available for worldwide sites.
Solar Radiation Data, Monthly Summary (1977-1980) - Monthly publication is out of print, but
is available on 101 microfiche.
Hourly Solar Radiation (unedited) (January 1981 - October 1985) - A continuation of the above
data but editing for quality control was suspended with the publication in December 1980).
Hourly Solar Radiation Data (edited) (January 1988 - Current) - Global and direct solar radiation
data are collected for the 31 station NOAA Solar Radiation Network.
Selected Climatic Maps of the United States (1931-60) - Contains the following maps:
Mean daily Solar Radiation (January and July).
Mean total hours of sunshine (annual).
Mean percentage of possible sunshine (January, July, annual).
Mean percentage of possible sunshine (monthly and annual maps).
WIND DATA PUBLICATIONS AND TABULATIONS
Wind Energy Resource Atlas (through 1978) - Twelve published volumes of wind energy
statistics using data from approximately 975 locations are available from NTIS.
Comparative Climatic Data - Presents separate tables of monthly and annual average wind speed
in MPH for about 300 U.S. sites.
Climatic Atlas of the U.S. (1931-60) - Presents maps of monthly and annual averages of
prevailing direction, mean speed (MPH) and fastest mile of wind.
Local Climatological Data, Annual Summary - Presents tables of monthly and annual average,
resultant and fastest mile wind speed for the current year, and monthly and annual mean and
fastest mile speed for a long period, usually 15 to 30 years.
Airport Climatological Summaries (1965-74) - Presents monthly and annual tables of mean wind
speed (Kts) and prevailing direction plus percent frequency of wind direction vs. wind speed
(Kts)
Wind-Ceiling-Visibility Data at Selected Airports (1948-78) - 284 locations available - presents
annual-only wind direction vs. wind speed circular graphs and tabulations for six
ceiling-visibility classes.
Summary of Hourly Observations (1951-60) - 138 locations available - Presents monthly and
annual tables of percent frequency of wind direction and speed (MPH) + percent frequency of
hourly wind speed (MPH); and hourly sky cover.
Customized Wind Rose Tabulations - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Wind Rose for
Airport Design: Wind direction versus wind speed frequency tabulations. The standard
tabulation provides an overall summary of 36-point wind quadrant data for combined all-weather
conditions. Wind speeds are reported in knots and use 9 standard FAA speed groups plus calm.
In general, the most recent 8 years of hourly data will be summarized. Additional tabulations
described under "Customized Tabulations" below provide diskette files in the FAA Airport
Design software format. NCDC can provide customized 16-point or 36-point wind rose
tabulations of monthly, seasonal, and/or annual data; wind units in mph, knots, or meters/sec;
and customer-specified a) ceiling-visibility thresholds, b) hours of operations, c) variety of
present weather conditions, and d) speed classes (up to 9 classes with flexible ranges).
Extreme Wind Speeds at 129 Stations in the Contiguous U.S. - Presents measured fastest mile
wind speed and direction from beginning of record (usually 1941) to 1977 for each year, and
computed extreme wind speeds for return periods from 2 years to 1 million years. Tropical
storm extreme winds were included for this study, but caution should be used when using this
book in hurricane prone areas.
Directional Extreme Wind Speed Data for the Design of Buildings and Other Structures -
Presents largest yearly fastest-mile wind speed data corresponding to winds blowing from each
octant at 37 airport stations in the United States.
Historical Extreme Winds in the U.S., Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico - Area covered: 53 coastal
locations from Maine to Texas. Tables present measured annual values from beginning of
record (varies from 1875 to 1947) to 1979. Maps present computed annual 100-year return
period fastest-mile wind speed at 10 and 30 meters above ground level. Tropical storm extreme
winds were included in this study.
Historical Extreme Winds in the U.S., Great Lakes and Adjacent Regions - Area covered: 70
locations in 8 Great Lakes states plus Iowa. Tables present measured annual values from
beginning of record (varies from 1875 to 1951) to 1979. Maps present computed annual
100-year return period fastest-mile winds at 10 and 30 meter heights above ground level.
Index to Summarized Wind Data (Sep 1977) - Presents samples of 15 different Wind Rose
tabulation formats available from the NCDC together with an index arranged alphabetically by
state/city and format. Periods of record are listed for each tabulation. Contains no actual or
average wind data.
National Wind Data Index--Final Report (Dec 1978) - Presents sample of forms used to record
original wind observations and a listing of periods of record available for actual manuscript wind
observation data together with a list of anemometer heights and height-change dates. Contains
no actual or average wind data.
Wind Energy Resource Information (WERIS) Index - Presents samples of the 19 types of
statistical tables and the period of record available for the approximately 975 stations. Contains
no actual or average wind data.
WORLDWIDE/FOREIGN PUBLICATIONS
Climates of the World (1969) - Presents average temperature and precipitation data for
approximately 800 stations throughout the world. It also includes brief narrative descriptions of
the climate of each continent and maps depicting the annual average worldwide distribution of
temperature and precipitation.
World Weather Records - This six volume set contains monthly and annual tables of mean
temperatures, mean pressures, and total precipitation for most stations throughout the world for
which complete data for the ten year period (e.g., 1981-1990) are available. Prior issues back to
1920 are available on microfiche.
Volume 1, North America
Volume 2, Europe
Volume 3, West Indies, South and Central America
Volume 4, Asia
Volume 5, Africa
Volume 6, Islands of the World
Monthly Climatic Data for the World (MCDW) - Issued monthly only, and contains monthly
mean values of surface and upper air measurements from a large number of selected stations
throughout the world. The surface elements included are pressure, temperature, vapor pressure,
precipitation, and percent of long-term averaged sunshine. The upper air data consist of height,
temperature, dew point depression, and mean vector wind at standard constant pressure levels.
Miscellaneous Summaries - Weather data recorded by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy weather
services stateside and abroad are archived on paper and microfiche at NCDC. Hourly surface
data are available from many locations since the 1940s on one form per day. Some autographic
charts and radiosonde records are available. Much of this military data are also available in
digital form, and can be printed on paper at cost. Summarized data available ranges from 1 sheet
monthly averages to several-hundred page 3-hourly summaries. Detailed climatic summaries are
also available for many regions of the world.
Worldwide Airfield Summaries - This series of summaries presents monthly and annual
climatological information for approximately 4,000 airfields and climatic areas throughout the
world. The period of record varies by stations and elements. The data used are prior to 1974.
These summaries were prepared by the U.S. Air Force Environmental Technical Applications
Center (ETAC) for the U.S. Naval Oceanography Command and are archived on 156 microfiche
and on one CD-ROM. Copies of data for individual stations are available on paper or on
microfiche.
Upper Air Studies - Joint U.S. Navy/U.S. Air Force Climatic Study of the upper atmosphere.
These atlases introduce a new historical gridded upper air dataset. Data in these atlases were
produced by summarizing the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts
(ECMWF) 00 & 12Z gridded analyses for 1980-1985. Also available on CD-ROM for period
1980-1991.
Summary of Meteorological Observations-Surface (SMOS) - Monthly and annual summaries
(some by 3-hour groups) of weather conditions; precipitation; surface winds; ceiling versus
visibility and sky cover; temperature and relative humidity; and pressure for approximately 980
worldwide locations. Data available on paper and on CD-ROM.
Revised Uniform Summary of Surface Weather Observations (RUSSWO)/Surface Observational
Climate Summary (SOCS) - Similar summaries to those listed above as 'SMOS' are available for
approximately 450 worldwide locations on paper and on CD-ROM. Various periods of record
are available.
NCDC Foreign Data Collection - Consists of over 100,000 volumes of publications printed in
foreign countries and exchanged with NOAA for US climate publications. The collection
contains worldwide average meteorological data on a country-by-country basis. A digital index
file is used to locate potentially useful data. Significant large holdings include publications
from:
1. Argentina 4. Germany 7. Poland
2. Australia 5. Japan 8. United Kingdom
3. France 6. Philippines 9. USSR
World Data Center-A For Meteorology - Of particular interest to research scientists are the
collections of WDC-A for Meteorology, collocated with NCDC. Catalogs have been published
and are available in most large research libraries for databases available, which include: GATE,
FGGE, MONEX, WAMEX, ALPEX, IFYGL, and STREX.
NOAA Library - Contains an extensive collection of foreign weather data publications. Visitors
are welcome. Address:
NOAA Central Library
2nd Floor, SSMC3
1315 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
GUIDES AND CATALOGS
Selective Guide to Climatic Data Sources (Washington, DC: NOAA, 1988) - Contains brief
descriptions of many NCDC domestic, and some NCDC foreign holdings. Available on 7
microfiche, free from NCDC.
Guide to Standard Weather Summaries and Climatic Services (NAVAIR 50-IC-534) (Asheville,
NC: NOCD, 1986) - Contains the most complete site inventory available of NCDC foreign (and
domestic) summarized unpublished tabulations. Available only on 4 microfiche, free from
NCDC.
Catalog of Publications of the World Meteorological Organization (Geneva, Switzerland:
WMO, 1983) - For U.S. and Canadian requests, order from:
American Meteorological Society
45 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-227-2425 (ask for publications)
OL-A, AFCCC Directory of Climatic Databases (Asheville, NC: AFCCC, 1996) - Descriptions
of many Air Force climatic databases available from Federal Climate Complex in Asheville, NC.
Free from NCDC.
GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS
AFGWC Air Force Global Weather Central
ASOS Automated Surface Observing System
AWS Air Weather Service
ECMWF European Center For Medium-range Weather Forecasts
GTS Global Telecommunications System
MRF Medium Range Forecast model
NCEP National Centers for Environmental Prediction
NGM Nested Grid Model
NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory
NWS National Weather Service
POR Period of Record
QC Quality Control
TD Tapedeck