PARTNERSHIPS IN WEATHER, CLIMATE AND

WATER FOR DEVELOPMENT

UPPER-AIR OBSERVING NETWORK

What is the Upper-Air Observing Network?

The World Meteorological Organization coordinates a global network of high-quality upper-air observing stations,
most of which are operated by National Meteorological Services. These stations have instruments that can record
atmospheric variables such as pressure, temperature, humidity and wind speed and direction throughout the tropo-
sphere (up to 18 km above ground level), and lower stratosphere (20–30 km above ground level). One of the primary
instruments for measuring upper-air variables is the radiosonde.

What are radiosondes?

Radiosondes are small measuring devices that comprise

a radio transmitter and sensors for pressure, temperature
and humidity. They are normally carried aloft by weather
balloons filled with helium or hydrogen. All data are trans-
mitted to a ground station where they are decoded and
analysed by trained and qualified staff. Meteorological
Services release radiosondes two to four times per day.
Each flight costs about US$ 200–US$ 250 including the
weather balloon, filling it with helium or hydrogen and
the radiosonde itself.
Why do we need data of this kind?
Radiosondes record the vertical profiles of the atmosphere,
information that is essential to create a global overview of
the current and future state of the atmosphere. The data
from radiosonde stations are shared globally via the WMO
telecommunications network, and provide input for local,
regional and global numerical weather prediction models
that forecast the future state of the atmosphere from a few
hours to days ahead.
GUAN
GCOS Upper-Air Network
(169 Stations)
of observations from these radiosonde stations for the
compilation of long-term climate records.
Problems
Regular performance reports show that many of the
stations, particularly in developing and least developed
countries, are not reporting the desired observations.
There are a number of reasons for these “silent” or under-
performing stations including communications failures
in forwarding data to the appropriate centre; insufficient
funds to repair, maintain or upgrade basic equipment or to
purchase consumables such as radiosondes and balloons;
and insufficient staff or inadequate training to operate
equipment. (Filling the weather balloons with helium or
hydrogen is a dangerous task if not done properly.)

The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Upper-Air
Network (GUAN) is a subset of the global radiosonde net-
work and comprises about 170 stations worldwide, each
specifically selected to provide data needed for climate
monitoring and research. The GCOS Upper-Air Network
coordinates the collection, quality control and archival
To overcome these problems, we need your help. You
can support the WMO Voluntary Cooperation Programme
(VCP) directly through financial or in kind contributions.
We are also looking for long-term partners who are will-
ing to provide specific stations with equipment, training
or financial support.
Support a Monitoring Station

Long-term weather monitoring is essential to assess global
climate change adequately, as well as to improve climate
and weather forecasts for specific countries or regions. As
weather and climate do not respect national boundaries, close
collaboration among countries is essential to improve the
data of all. The monitoring observations and their ongoing
records are basically a global good, but there are still some
blank spots in the overall network. Monitoring the upper air
can be very costly as it requires a high investment in radio-
sondes, weather balloons and hydrogen or helium.
soundings, and we are now looking for sponsors who will
set up or support a specific station on a long-term basis.
Support can take the form of establishing and maintain-
ing a station in a remote area, supplying a station with
necessary funding, helping with the acquisition of specific
equipment or providing staff training in new technologies
for observing and evaluating data. The GCOS system
improvement programme facilitates the renovation or
establishment of such stations and is helping coordinate
the respective needs of users.

The Voluntary Cooperation Programme receives a large To find out which stations need support, please contact the
number of requests for assistance in taking these upper-air VCP Secretariat at vcp@wmo.int.

For more information, please contact: The World Meteorological

Organization’s work
is heavily dependent
Fact sheet 5, version 1 – 2010

Development and Regional Activities Department (DRA) on collaboration with

World Meteorological Organization sponsors and partners.
7 bis, avenue de la Paix – P.O. Box 2300 If you wish to support
CH-1211 Geneva 2 – Switzerland our work and become a
Tel.: +41 (0) 22 730 80 03 – Fax: +41 (0) 22 730 80 47 partner, please contact us
E-mail: dra@wmo.int – www.wmo.int/dra at dra@wmo.int