SYNOP Data

This NCEP ADP SYNOP (surface synoptic observation) dataset is based on measurements from manned and automated weather stations around the globe. Currently, about 7000 stations are included in this global dataset; see a subset of the stations around the North Sea in figure. The purpose of the SYNOP data is to provide input to weather reports and numerical models. However, some stations may also provide useful for the wind energy industry as reports of wind speed, wind directions and temperature are available. As in the case of a METAR dataset, when applying this dataset, please consider the following issues:

1. The reporting frequency varies: Some stations report a few days per year, others only during daytime hours, while others report continuously with 10, 30 minute or hourly intervals.
2. The position of the station may be uncertain. Typically latitude and longitude is only reported with an accuracy of two decimals (with position in decimal degrees).
3. The height of the meteorological mast is uncertain, often 5, 10 or 30 meter masts are used; however the standard is 10 meters.
4. Since an automated data collection procedure is used at NCAR; then errors may occur in data and position encoding. Please take care to validate this SYNOP dataset against local measurements and the position against local maps.

Dataset Coverage of SYNOP Stations around the North Sea.