SUMMARY OF THE DAY
FIRST ORDER
TD-3210
Lewis France
National Climatic Data Center
Federal Building
Asheville, North Carolina
March 6, 1998
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This document is an abridged version of a document prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Environmental
Satellite Data and Information Service, National Climatic Data Center,
Asheville, North Carolina. The original is available from NOAA here.
This document is designed to provide general information on the content, origin, format, integrity, and the availability of this data file.
Data Set Aliases:
Surface Land Daily Cooperative DataSummary of the Day Data
Co-op Data
Climatological Data
Daily Weather Data
Co-op Summary of the Day Data
Substation Data
SOD
STATION-ID
This eight-digit numeric identifier (WBAN STATION NUMBER) is assigned by the
National Climatic Data Center. The first 3 digits are zero's. WBAN NUMBER is a
5 digit number formulated to designate the station. A list of stations with
their coordinates, elevation and period of record is available upon request.
Values range from 00000001 through 00099999.
METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENT-TYPE
The type of meteorological element stored in this record is given as a 4-
Character alphanumeric acronym. The following list denotes the specific
elements contained in TD-3210. To determine which units are used for each
element-type you must read Tape Field 004 "Element-Units" (Reference Table "A").
ASMM
Average Cloudiness Midnight to Midnight (begin September 1992 for ASOS sites).
This is the average of all available 30-second ceilometer data for the 24-hour
period expressed in tenths of cloud cover at or below 12,000 feet. The DATA-
VALUES are defined in Reference Table ?D?.
ASSS
Average Cloudiness Sunrise to Sunset (begin September 1992 for ASOS sites).
This is the average of all available 30-second ceilometer data for the period
from sunrise to sunset expressed in tenths of cloud cover at or below 12,000
feet. The DATA-VALUES are defined in Reference Table ?D?.
AWND
Average Daily Wind Speed (begin 1984). Units expressed in miles per hour to
tenths. From January 1984 through June 1987 the Element Unit is incorrectly
listed as TK (Tenths of Knots), it should be MH (Miles per Hour).
CLDG
Cooling Degree Day (begin 1984). Base 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
DPNT
Departure from Normal Temperature. DATA-VALUE = -00099 to b00099 degrees
Fahrenheit.
DPTP
Average Daily Dew-Point Temperature (begin 1984). Units expressed in tenths
of degrees Fahrenheit.
DYSW
Daily Occurrence of WEATHER. These two digit DYSW element codes are stored in
the rightmost four digits of the VALUE portion of the DATA-VALUE field. Within
the four digits used, the weather codes are entered left justified. Thus, if
one type of weather occurs during a day the VALUE field would appear as OXXOO
where XX is the appropriate weather code. If two types of weather occur the
VALUE field will contain OXXYY where XX is value 1 and YY is value 2. If more
than 2 types of weather occur on the same day, they will be stored in additional
DYSW records as needed. (Reference Table "A1")
DYVC
Day with Weather in the Vicinity (begin July 1996). The present (or prevailing)
weather occurring at the time of the observation in the vicinity of the station,
between 5 and 10 statute miles of the point of observation.
NOTE: This element is used beginning July 1996 and is coded in the same manner
as the element DYSW. See the description for DYSW for details. (Reference Table
"A1")
F2MN
Fastest 2-minute Wind Direction and Speed (begin September 1992 for ASOS sites).
Direction is expressed in tens of degree from true north. Speed is expressed in
miles per hour. When two or more equal speeds have occurred, the most recent
speed and direction are entered.
Example of DATA-VALUE field XXYYY for wind direction and speed: 22048. Wind is
from 220 degrees at 48 miles per hour.
F5SC
Fastest 5-second Wind Direction and Speed (begin September 1992 for ASOS sites).
Direction is expressed in tens of degrees from true north. Speed is expressed
in miles per hour. When two or more equal speeds have occurred, the most recent
speed and direction are entered.
FMTM
Time of Fastest Mile or Fastest 1-minute Wind (begin 1984), or Fastest 2-minute
Wind (begin September 1992). Units are expressed in hours and minutes.
FRGB
Base of Frozen Ground Layer. The depth below the surface of the ground at which
frozen ground is last struck. Data available through 1964 only for designated
stations. DATA-VALUE = b00000 to b00099 expressed in whole inches.
FRGT
Top of frozen ground layer - The depth below the surface of the ground at which
frozen ground is first struck. Data available through 1964 only for designated
stations. DATA-VALUE = b00000 to b00099 expressed in whole inches.
FRTH
Thickness of Frozen Ground Layer. Base value minus top value. Data available
through 1964 only for designated stations. DATA-VALUE = b00000 to b00099
FSIN
Highest Instantaneous Wind Direction and Speed. This is the highest gust or
peak reached by the pen of the gust recorder during the 24 hour period.
Direction is expressed in 16 Point WBAN Code (Reference Table "B1"). Speed
generally expressed in miles per hour. When two or more equal wind speeds occur
the most recent is archived.
FSMI
Fastest Mile Wind Direction and Speed. Recorded by stations having triple or
multiple register type recording instruments. The speed of a mile of wind
occurring in the shortest time is used. This is determined by measuring the
jogs on the chart made by the one mile contacts of the anemometer. Direction is
expressed in 16 Point WBAN Code. Speed expressed in miles per hour. Example of
value field XXYYY for wind direction and speed: 18045; 18 = wind direction from
169 degrees to 191 degrees. 045 = wind speed 45 miles per hour. FSMI is not
digitized for Air Weather Service stations. (Reference Table "B1")
FSMN
Fastest Observed One-minute Wind Direction and Speed. This is used at stations
not equipped with recording instruments. It is obtained by observation of an
indicator for one minute and using an average value. Direction is expressed in
Tens of Degrees Code. Speed expressed in miles per hour. Example of value
field XXYYY for wind direction and speed: 18045; 18 = wind direction from 169
degrees to 191 degrees. 045 = wind speed 45 miles per hour. FSMN is not
digitized for Air Weather Service Stations. (Reference table "C")
GAHT
River Gauge Height - Below zero gauge readings. DATA-VALUE = negative values of
b00000 to b00999, expressed to the nearest tenth of a foot.
HTDG
Heating Degree Days (begin 1984; however, several stations reported this
element as early as 1961). Base 65 whole degrees Fahrenheit.
MNRH
Minimum Relative Humidity (through 1955). DATA-VALUE = b00000 to b00100,
expressed in whole percent. (AWS stations through January 1958, NWS, FAA, and
Navy stations through December 1964. Most stations restarted in 1984; some
stations reported this element as early as 1961).
MNTP
Average Temperature (begin 1984). The value is the (Max Temp. + Min Temp.)/2,
expressed in whole degrees Fahrenheit.
MXRH
Maximum Relative Humidity. DATA-VALUE = b00000 to b00100, expressed in whole
percent. (AWS stations through June 1958, NWS, FAA, and Navy stations through
December 1964. Most stations restarted in 1986.)
PGTM
Peak Gust Time or Maximum 5-second Wind Speed Time. Value = b00000 to b02359,
expressed in hours and minutes. Example: 2359 = 23 hours and 59 minutes.
PKGS
Peak Gust Direction and Speed. If two or more equal peak gust speeds occurred
on the same day, the first was digitized for the period July, 1968 through
December 1972. Beginning in January 1973, the last was digitized. The
direction is generally expressed in 16 Point WBAN Code, with the following
exceptions:
(1) Air Force stations used 36 Point code from January, 1964 through February,
1967, 16 Point WBAN Code from March, 1967 through June, 1968, and 36 Point code
again from July, 1968 through December, 1970. Air Force data was generally
discontinued by December, 1970.
(2) Navy stations used 16 Point WBAN Code from the beginning of record through
January, 1971, and 36 Point Code from February, 1971 through the present.
Wind speeds are generally expressed in miles per hour through December, 1954,
and in knots from January, 1955 to the present. A consistent exception is Navy
stations, which used knots for the entire period of record. Example of value
field XXYYY after 1954 for wind direction and speed: 44032; 44 = Wind direction
from the SE. 032 = Wind speed 032 knots.
Beginning July 1996, wind direction is expressed in 32 Point WBAN Code
(Reference Table "B2").
PRCP
Daily Precipitation. Rainfall and melted frozen precipitation are included.
Trace is less than .005 inch. DATA-VALUE = b00000 to b09999 expressed in
hundredths of inches.
PRES
Average Daily Station Pressure (begin 1984). Based on eight 3-hourly
observations per day. Units expressed in thousandths of inches of Mercury.
PSUN
Daily Percent of Possible Sunshine (begin January 1965). Data Value = b00000 to
b00100, expressed in percent.
RDIR
Resultant Wind Direction (begin 1984). DATA-VALUE expressed to the nearest
whole degree code. From January 1984 through late 1994 the Meteorological
Element Measurement units code is incorrectly recorded as DT (wind direction in
tens of degrees). It should be DW (wind direction in whole degrees).
RWND
Resultant Wind Speed (begin 1984). DATA-VALUE is expressed in miles per hour to
tenths. From January 1984 through June 1987, the Meteorological Element
Measurement Units Code is incorrectly recorded as TK (tenths of knots) and
incorrectly recored as MH (miles per hour) from July 1987 through late 1994. It
should be TL tenths of miles per hour.
SAMM
Average Cloudiness Midnight to Midnight - (begin September 1992 for ASOS sites).
This is the average of all available 30-second ceilometer data for the 24-hour
period expressed in oktas of cloud cover at or below 12,000 feet. The DATA-
VALUES are defined in Reference Table ?D1".
SASS
Average Cloudiness Sunrise to Sunset (begin September 1992 for ASOS sites). This
is the average of all available 30-second ceilometer data for the period from
sunrise to sunset expressed in oktas of cloud cover at or below 12,000 feet.
The DATA-VALUES are defined in Reference Table ?D1".
SCMM
Average Sky Cover Midnight to Midnight (begin January 1965). Element not
recorded at stations where personnel were not on duty 24 hours a day. See
Elements ASMM and STMM for ASOS sites. DATA-VALUES are expressed in tenths and
are defined in Reference Table "D".
SCSS
Average Sky Cover Sunrise to Sunset - (begin January 1965). DATA-VALUES are
expressed in tenths and are defined in Reference Table "D". See Elements ASSS
and STSS for ASOS sites.
SGMM
Average Cloudiness Midnight to Midnight (begin September 1992; end June 1996;
derived from GOES satellite data). The areal coverage is approximately 50km by
50km centered on the ASOS site. DATA-VALUE is the average of all satellite
scans of the site during the 24-hour period, expressed in oktas of cloud cover
occurring above 12,000 feet. The DATA-VALUES are defined in Reference Table
?D1".
SGSS
Average Cloudiness Sunrise to Sunset (begin September 1992; end June 1996;
derived from GOES satellite data). The areal coverage is approximately 50km by
50km centered on the ASOS site. DATA-VALUE is the average of all satellite
scans of the site during period from sunrise to sunset, expressed in oktas of
cloud cover occurring above 12,000 feet. The DATA-VALUES are defined in
Reference Table ?D1".
SLVP
Average Daily Sea Level Pressure (begin 1984). DATA-VALUE expressed in tenths
of millibars.
SMMM
Average Sky Cover Midnight to Midnight (begin January 1965). Element not
recorded at stations where personnel were not on duty 24 hours a day. See
Elements SAMM and SGMM for ASOS sites. DATA-VALUES are expressed in oktas and
are defined in Reference Table "D1".
SMSS
Average Sky Cover Sunrise to Sunset - (begin January 1965) DATA-VALUES are
expressed in oktas and are defined in Reference Table "D1". See Elements SASS
and SGSS for ASOS sites.
SNOW
Daily Snowfall. Hail is included with snowfall from July 1948 to December 1955
and from May 1989 to the present. Effective April 1970, amount includes
sleet/ice pellets. DATA-VALUE = b00000 to b09999 expressed in tenths of inches.
Trace of snow is less than .05 inch.
SNWD
Snowdepth at Observation Time. Hail is included with snowfall from July 1948 to
December 1955 and from May 1989 to the present. (Reference Table "E")
STMM
Average Cloudiness Midnight to Midnight (begin September 1992; end June 1996;
derived from GOES satellite data). The areal coverage is approximately 50km by
50km centered on the ASOS site. DATA- VALUE is the average of all satellite
scans of the site during the 24-hour period, expressed in tenths of cloud cover
occurring above 12,000 feet.
STSS
Average Cloudiness Sunrise to Sunset (begin September 1992; end June 1996;
derived from GOES satellite data). The areal coverage is approximately 50km by
50km centered on the ASOS site. DATA-VALUE is the average of all satellite
scans of the site during period from sunrise to sunset, expressed in tenths of
cloud cover occurring above 12,000 feet.
THIC
Thickness of Ice on Water. Measured each Monday at noon LST, or more
frequently if ice conditions are changing rapidly. Data available through
December 1964 only for designated stations. DATA-VALUE = b00000 to b00999,
expressed in tenths of inches.
TMAX
Daily Maximum Temperature. DATA-VALUE = -00199 to b00199, expressed in whole
degrees Fahrenheit.
TMIN
Daily Minimum Temperature. DATA-VALUE = -00199 to b00199, expressed in whole
degrees Fahrenheit.
TMPW
Average Daily Wet-Bulb Temperature (begin 1984). DATA-VALUE = -00199 to b00199,
expressed in whole degrees Fahrenheit.
TSUN
Daily Total Sunshine. DATA-VALUE = b00000 to b01440, expressed in minutes.
(Reference Table "F")
WTEQ
Water Equivalent of Snow on the Ground (begin July 1952). Reported only when
there are 2 inches or more of snow on the ground. Readings taken generally at
1800 GMT. DATA-VALUE expressed in hundredths of inches from 1952 through April
10, 1970 and in tenths of inches from April 11, 1970 until the present.
METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENT MEASUREMENT UNITS CODE.
(Reference Table "A")
YEAR
This is the year of record. Range of values from 1881 (few stations) to current
year processed.
MONTH
This is the month of the record. Range of values is 01 to 12.
SOURCE CODE-1
Contains a code indicating the primary source of the original record for this
element. Range is 1-9 and A -Z. (Reference Table "G")
SOURCE CODE-2
Contains a code indicating the backup source of the original record for this
element. Range is 1-9 and A - Z. (Reference Table "H")
NUM-VALUES
This notates the actual number of values reported. Range = 001 to 062.
NOTE: A record may contain fewer or more data values than you might expect.
A monthly record of daily values may contain as few as 1 data value or as many
as 62 data values.
If a particular data value was not taken or is unavailable there is no entry for
it. (If all observations are received and pass QC checks there will be one data
group for each day. If each value fails QC there may be 2 data groups for each
day). When two groups for a day are encountered the original values are flagged
and the 2nd data group is the best possible replacement.
DAY
Contains the day of the daily element value. Range = 01 to 31. Data are for
the 24 hour period midnight to midnight LST.
HOUR
Contains the hour of the daily observation. Hour is reported as 24 representing
a 24 hour period midnight to midnight.
SIGN of
This is the "SIGN" of the meteorological Data Element Value. This field
contains either a blank or a minus sign (never a plus sign).
DATA-VALUE
Actual data value. The DATA-VALUE (DATA ELEM VALUE) portion of the tape field
is a five digit integer. One major exception does exist however, DYSW (days
with weather code and days with weather in the vicinity) element-type values are
explained under METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENT-TYPES DYSW and DYVC.
FLAG1
The Data Measurement Flag. (Reference Table "J")
FLAG2
Data Quality Flag. (Reference Table "K")
******** TABLE "A" ********
METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENT MEASUREMENT UNITS CODE
The units and decimal position of the data value for this record. Range of
values is listed below.
C Whole degrees Celsius
CM Centimeters
D Whole Fahrenheit degree days
DT Wind direction in tens of degrees
DW Wind direction in whole degrees
F Whole degrees Fahrenheit
FN Feet and tenths
FT Whole feet
HF Hundreds of feet
HI Hundredths of inches
HM Hundredths of miles
HR Time in hours and minutes
HT Hundredths of inches but observation was only made to
tenths
I Whole inches
IH Hundredths of inches of mercury
IT Thousandths of inches of mercury
KD Knots and direction in tens of degrees
KS Knots and direction in 16 pt. code
M Whole miles
MD MPH and direction in tens of degrees
ME Whole meters
MH Miles per hour
MM Millimeters
MN Minutes
MS MPH and direction in 16 pt. code
MT Tenths of millibars
NA No units applicable (none-dimensional)
N1 No units applicable - element to tenths
N2 No units applicable - element to hundredths
OS Oktas of sky cover
P Whole percent
TC Tenths of degree Celsius
TD Tenths of Fahrenheit degree days
TF Tenths of degrees Fahrenheit
TH Tenths of hours
TI Tenths of inches
TK Tenths of knots
TL Tenths of miles per hour
TM Tenths of millimeters
TP Tenths of percent
TS Tenths of sky cover
Note: All single digit Element-Units are left justified and blank filled.
******** TABLE "A1" ********
DYSW/DYVC
00 No occurrence
01 Day with haze (smoke also included through August 1992; see
code 30 in this table)
02 Day with fog (ice fog included through 1983; see code 17 in
this table)
03 Day with heavy fog (heavy ice fog included through 1964)
04 Day with drizzle (begin 1984)
05 Day with ice pellets (sleet and small hail; small hail
included through June 1996; see code 31 in this table)
06 Day with glaze
07 Day with thunder
08 Day with hail (1/4 inch or larger in diameter beginning July
1996)
09 Day with volcanic ash (begin September 1992; dust or
sandstorm with visibility < 5/8 mile was reported as code 09
through August 1992; see codes 27 and 29 in this table)
10 Day with blowing snow (includes drifting snow beginning July
1996)
11 Day with high wind (squall; speeds increasing to at least
16kts/18mph and sustained at 22kts/25mph or more for at least
one minute; begin July 1996)
12 Day with tornado (funnel cloud, waterspout included through
Aug 1992; see codes 20 and 21 in this table)
13 Day with snow (snow pellets, snow grains, and ice crystals
included through Aug 1992; see codes 22, 23, 24 in this
table)
14 Day with rain (drizzle, freezing drizzle, and freezing rain
included through 1983)
15 Day with freezing rain (begin 1984)
16 Day with freezing drizzle (begin 1984)
17 Day with ice fog (begin 1984; includes freezing fog beginning
July 1996)
18 Day with blowing spray (begin 1984; includes spray beginning
July 1996))
19 Day with unknown source of precipitation (begin 1991 with
automated stations)
20 Day with funnel cloud (begin September 1992)
21 Day with waterspout (begin September 1992; includes tornado
beginning July 1996)
22 Day with snow pellets (begin September 1992 through June
1996; see code 31 in this table)
23 Day with snow grains (begin September 1992)
24 Day with ice crystals (begin September 1992)
25 Day with ground fog (begin September 1992)
26 Day with dust (begin September 1992)
27 Day with blowing dust (begin September 1992; includes
duststorm when visibility is reduced to less than 5/8 miles
beginning July 1996)
28 Day with blowing obstruction (begin September 1992 through
June 1996)
29 Day with blowing sand (begin September 1992); also includes
sand as well as sandstorm when visibility is reduced to less
than 5/8 mile (begin July 1996)
30 Day with smoke (begin September 1992)
31 Day with small hail and/or snow pellets (begin July 1996;
diameter less than 1/4 inch)
32 Day with well developed dust/sand whirls (begin July 1996)
33 Day with mist (begin July 1996)
34 Day with rain or snow shower; used in reference to weather in
the vicinity only (begin July 1996)
******** TABLE "B1" ********
FSIN
WIND DIRECTION CODE
(16 Point WBAN Code)
12 = NNE 66 = SW
22 = NE 76 = WSW
32 = ENE 77 = W
33 = E 78 = WNW
34 = ESE 88 = NW
44 = SE 18 = NNW
54 = SSE 11 = N
55 = S 00 = Calm
56 = SSW = Unknown
Example of DATA-VALUE field XXYYY for wind direction and speeds: 12037 Wind is
from the NNE at 37 miles per hour.
******** TABLE "B2" ********
PKGS
WIND DIRECTION CODE
(36 Point WBAN Code)
03 = NNE 21 = SSW
05 = NE 24 = SW
07 = ENE 25 = WSW
09 = E 27 = W
12 = ESE 30 = WNW
14 = SE 32 = NW
16 = SSE 34 = NNW
18 = S 36 = N
******** TABLE "C" ********
FSMI & FSMN
WIND DIRECTION CODES
00 = Calm
01 = 010
02 = 020
" "
" through "
36 = 360
99 = Unknown
******** TABLE "D" ********
SKY COVER in TENTHS for ELEMENTS:
ASMM/ASSS/SCMM/SCSS/STMM/STSS
DATA-VALUE
CODE SKY COVER
00000 = Clear or less than .1 coverage
00001 = .1 Coverage
00002 = .2 Coverage
00003 = .3 Coverage
00004 = .4 Coverage
00005 = .5 Coverage
00006 = .6 Coverage
00007 = .7 Coverage
00008 = .8 Coverage
00009 = .9 Coverage
00010 = 1.0 Coverage - Overcast
******** TABLE "D1" ********
SKY COVER in OKTAS for ELEMENTS:
SAMM/SASS/SGMM/SGSS/SMMM/SMSS
DATA-VALUE
CODE SKY COVER
00000 = Clear or less than .1 coverage
00001 = .1 Coverage
00002 = .3 Coverage
00003 = .4 Coverage
00004 = .5 Coverage
00005 = .6 Coverage
00006 = .8 Coverage
00007 = .9 Coverage
00008 = 1.0 Coverage - Overcast
******** TABLE "E" ********
SNWD
DEPTH of SNOW OBSERVED AT:
00:30 GMT prior to July 1952
12:30 GMT 1 July 1952 to 30 May 1957
12:00 GMT 1 June 1957 to present
DATA-VALUE = b00000 to b09999 in whole inches. Trace of snow depth is less than
0.5 inches. Some Alaska and part-time stations take snow depth measurements at
different hours.
******** TABLE "F" ********
TSUN
Conversion of minutes to tenths of hours is:
MIN TENTHS
1-2 0.0 33-38 0.6
3-8 0.1 39-44 0.7
9-14 0.2 45-50 0.8
15-20 0.3 51-56 0.9
21-26 0.4 57-60 1.0
27-32 0.5 A ASOS
******** TABLE "G" ********
SOURCE CODE TABLE 1
1 Original Manuscript
2 SRRS
3 AFOS
4 DATSAV
5 NMC
6 Foreign Keyed
7 MAPSO
8 SRR 'A' side, manuscript 'B' side
9 Other/unknown
A ASOS
Source codes reflect normally expected sources and do not necessarily indicate
actual source of a specific item.
******** TABLE "H" ********
SOURCE CODE TABLE 2
1 Original Manuscript
2 SRRS
3 AFOS
4 DATSAV
5 NMC
6 Foreign Keyed
7 MAPSO
8 SRRS 'A' side, manuscript 'B' side
9 Other/unknown
A ASOS
******** TABLE "J" ********
FLAG1 TABLE
A Accumulated amount. This value is the amount accumulated
since the last measurement. (SNOW, SNWD, PRCP)
B Accumulated Amount. Value includes estimated values. (SNOW,
SNWD, PRCP)
D Derived Value.
E Estimated Value.
M Data Element Missing. This is for fixed length records only.
P Multiple occurrence Peak Gust. Last occurrence is indicated.
(PKGS, FSIN, FSMI)
S Included in a Subsequent Value. This precipitation amount is
being accumulated. Total will be included in a subsequent
value. (TPCP, SNOW, SNWD)
T Trace of Precipitation, Snowfall or Snow depth. Value would
be '00000'. (TPCP, SNOW, SNWD)
b (blank) Not needed.
TABLE "K"
FLAG2 TABLE
O Observed data has passed all internal consistency checks
1 Validity indeterminable (primarily for pre-1984 data)
2 Observed data has failed an internal consistency check -
(subsequent edited value follows observed value)
3 Data beginning 1 January 1984 = Observed data has failed an
internal consistency check. (No edited value follows) (Low
level of confidence of observed value)
Data prior to 1 January 1984 - observed data exceeded preselected climatological
limits during conversion from historic TD-9750 files. (No edited value follows)
4 Observed data value invalid. (No edited value follows)
5 Data converted from historic TD-9750 files exceeded all known
climatological extremes. (No edited value follows)
D Wind direction code is invalid (PKGS through December, 1983
only)
E Edited data value passes all systems checks - no observed
value present
S Manually edited value passes all systems checks
7. Start Date: 1881
8. Stop Date:
Present
9. Coverage:
Southernmost Latitude: 90S
Northernmost Latitude: 90N
Westernmost Longitude: 180W
Easternmost Longitude: 180E
10. Location:
a. North America
b. Caribbean Islands
c. Pacific Islands
d. overseas stations of the NWS, FAA, U.S. Navy, and Air Force.
11. Keywords:
Meteorology
Climatology
Hydrology
Cooling Degree Days
Heating Degree Days
Dew-Point Temperature
Wet-Bulb Temperature
2-Minute Wind Direction
2-Minute Wind Speed
Time of Fastest 2-Minute Wind
Time of Fastest 1-Minute Wind
Fastest 5-Second Wind Direction
Fastest 5-Second Wind Speed
Time of Fastest Mile
Highest Wind Direction
Highest Wind Speed
Highest Gust
Wind
Peak wind Gust
Weather
Ice Thickness
Depth of Frozen Ground
Top of Frozen Ground
Thickness of Frozen Ground Layer
River Gauge Height
Sunshine
Sky Cover
ASOS
Water Equivalent of Snow on Ground
TD-3210
3210
Weather
Frozen Ground Layer
Normals
Precipitation
Pressure
12. How to Order Data:
Ask NCDC's Climate Services about costs of obtaining this data set.
Phone 828-271-4800;
Fax 828-271-4876;
e-mail orders@ncdc.noaa.gov
13. Archiving Data Center:
National Climatic Data Center
Federal Building
151 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801-5001
14. Technical Contact:
National Climatic Data Center
Federal Building
151 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801-5001
Phone: 828-271-4994
15. Known Uncorrected Problems:
There are known TD-3210 problems. Those problems are being addressed by a
program VaLHiDD (Validation of Historical Daily Data).
During the period 1984-86 there are numerous entries for element PRCP of "NA"
for the meteorological Element Units Code. These should be coded as "HI".
In 1988 for states 31-91 (North Carolina to Pacific Islands), the algebraic sign
of positive meteorological data values may be coded as "+" symbols instead of as
blanks.
The historical data were converted from existing digital files and placed in the
element structure format in 1983. At that time these data were only processed
through a gross value check. In January 1984, NCDC instituted greatly enhanced
computer algorithms for automated validation of digital archives. The revised
edit system performs internal consistency checks, climatological limits checks
and serial checks. It is the goal of the NCDC that, as resources permit, these
historical files will be brought up to the same level of quality as those from
1984 onward.
Quality control "flags" are appended to each element to show how they fared
during the edit procedures and to indicate what, if any, action was taken. The
files consist of observed values and, as necessary, edited values. Flags must
be checked at all times to determine if an edited value is present.
The typical progression of temperature instruments was from liquid-in-glass
thermometers, to (1960 series) Hygrothermometers, to (1980 series)
Hygrothermometers. Scientists are currently investigating the effect these
instrument changes (especially the 1980 series) may have on long term
temperature records.
Inventories of the TD-3210 data set are available which indicate missing data
periods by station for most elements.
MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
National Weather Service, and Federal Aviation Stations: These values are
determined from stations equipped with maximum and minimum thermometers or
recording instruments. For some sites, when instruments were inoperative,
values were selected from hourly observations.
U.S. Air Force Stations: From May 15, 1955, for stations taking 24 record
observations per day, the maximum and minimun temperatures are determined from
hourly observations. The observations at the beginning and ending of day are
considered. The values are reported as missing when more than 3 of the hourly
observations pertinent to the determination of maximum and minimum temperatures
for each 24-hour period are missing or erroneous.
U.S. Navy Stations: When maximum and minimum thermometer readings are not
available, the data at most stations are reported as missing. Some Navy
stations determine the maximum and minimum temperatures from hourly observations
when readings from maximum and minimum thermometers are not available.
Hail and Snowfall Amounts
Although the inclusion of hail amounts with snowfall amounts was discontinued
after December 31, 1955, some stations may have hail amounts included with
snowfall after this date, as late as 1963 at a few stations. This occurred
because on the original manuscript form the same column was used for the entry
of snow, sleet and hail and the entry was not indicated as hail. For NWS sites,
hail was again included in snowfall amounts beginning in 1989.
16. Quality Statement:
This data set has been used in countless climatological studies, litigations,
insurance claims, and various other research applications.
It must be understood that at the onset of punched card processing of
climatological observations, the primary goal was the publication of the monthly
climatological summaries. The conversion from manual to automated systems meant
that more work could be done faster with fewer people and at less cost. Even
though the punched cards were retained, it was never envisioned that 20 to 30
years from then a great number of users would be seeking large data files for
retrospective studies using high-speed computers.
Benign neglect, state-of-the-art processing (CIRCA 1952), and limited resources
(monetary and personnel) all contributed toward less than optimum conditions for
maintaining the integrity of the digital files. Many of these shortcomings are
now recognized and efforts are underway to upgrade the principal data sets.
17. Revision Dates:
19920326
19941018
19980306
18: Source Data Sets:
Cooperative Observations
Principal Climatological Stations
Summary of the Day Observations
Punched Card Deck 345
State Universities
Digital Files
Daily Observations (manuscripts and publications)
Tape Deck 9750
Historical Files
ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System)
TD-3200
19. Essential Companion Data Sets:
TD-3210 requires use of NCDC's in-house Station History file.
20. Derived Data Sets:
Palmer Drought Index data set
Summary of Month
Local Climatological Data Publication
Historical Climatological Network-Daily
Freeze Data and Growing Degree Days
21. References:
National Weather Service, 1993: National Weather Service Observing Handbook No.
7, Surface Observations, NOAA-NWS, Silver Springs MD.
National Weather Service, June 1992: ASOS Users Guide, NOAA-NWS, Silver
Springs, MD.
National Weather Service, April 1988: Surface Observations, Federal
Meteorological Handrook No. 1 (FCM-H1-1988), Office of the Federal Coordinator,
Dept of Commerce, Washington, D.C.
Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research, October
1992: Surface Aviation Observations, Federal Meteorological Handbook No. 1
(revised (FCM-H1-1991), Office of the Federal Coordinator, Rockville, MD.
(currently in draft form).
National Climatic Data Center, March 1993: Local Climatological Data.
Environmental Information summary (C-2), NOAA-NCDC, Asheville, NC. (currently in
draft form).
Hughes, P.Y., E.H. Mason, T.R. Karl, and W.A. Brower, 1992: United States
Historical Climatology Network Daily Temperature and Precipitation Data -
ORNL/CDIAC-50, NPD-042. Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 40 pp.
22. Summary:
This Summary of the Day First Order data file contains daily selected elements
of observations taken by certified observers. The stations are located
worldwide and are operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), U.S. Air Force
(AWS), U.S. Navy (Navy Weather Service), and the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA). TD-3210 station history locations are known to the nearest minute of
latitude and longitude. The observations are generally recorded for the 24-HR
period midnight to midnight.
Through the years approximately 1,380 principle stations have recorded
observations in the program. In 1985 there were just
under 428 active stations being processed for inclusion in the digital TD-3210
data file. Keep in mind when using this data set that stations have varying
periods of record and varying types of data elements.
In September 1992, the NWS began implementation of the Automated Surface
Observing System (ASOS) with four sites. Implementation is expected to be
completed in 1996 and include approximately 2000 NWS, FAA and Military
locations. The data will be transmitted via AFOS until the AWIPS-90
communication system is operational.
In the early years of aviation most stations were located in major cities. As
aviation became more sophisticated, stations shifted to airports. Areal coverage
includes the contiguous United States, Caribbean Islands, Pacific Islands, and
other overseas stations of the NWS, FAA, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force.
Elevation for fixed surface locations for the data set are mostly below 1,000
meters above sea level. The minimum elevation is 1 meter and the maximum is
2,300 meters.
These First Order Stations are usually fully instrumented and therefore record a
complete range of meteorological parameters. The observations are generally
recorded for the 24-HR period midnight to midnight.
The digital files were transferred from punched cards to magnetic tape (TD-9750)
during the late 1960's. This card image CARD-345 (TD-9750) remained in effect
until the current element file structure was developed in 1983. At that time
the historical files were converted to TD-3210 and processing of current data
was completely revised. The new processing system began with the January 1984
data.
A very small portion of this data dates back to 1890. Data from the late 1940's
and onward comprise the bulk of this data set.