Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) have been installed at over 850 locations throughout the U.S. The ASOS program is a joint effort of the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation ... Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense (DOD). ASOS systems serve as the nation's primary surface weather observing network. ASOS is designed to support weather forecast activities and aviation operations and, at the same time, support the needs of the meteorological, hydrological, and climatological research communities.
1. Reports basic weather elements -sky conditions -visibility
-basic present weather information (type and intensity for
rain, snow, ect)
-obstructions to vision (fog, haze)
-ambient tempetature, dew point temperature
(direction, speed and character -precipitation accumulation
-selected significant remarks