WNKY News 40 Weather Reports: Weather Balloons

Critical For Measurements in Weather Data

Satellite and radar  are useful instruments in tracking weather systems across the globe.  Did you know that balloons are the best way for getting accurate measurements of our atmosphere? Weather balloons send radiosonde data which collects temperature, pressure and moisture as the balloon ascends thousands of feet above the ground. Upper air data is very critical if the threat for severe weather is on your doorstep. 

Olivia Cahill is a meteorologist  stationed at one of the National Weather Service forecast offices in North Carolina, one of the sites scattered across the country that send up weather balloons daily. 

Brian Schoettmer is senior Meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Louisville. He utilizes this data to provide accurate forecasts.