Wind Data gripes

Well first let me start off by saying, any and all wind data is helpful....

I've been working with HRD going on 12 years now, and for most of that time (like the last 11) one of my main tasks has been data collections. This include collecting information about particular stations as well as the data itself. Every year before the start of hurricane season (June 1st for the Atlantic) I go through all my reference tables and check and add any new stations that have come online since the previous year (usually I do this a couple times a year, but always right before the season starts). So this year like all the past years, there are a number of new stations. First yay!, second.... ugh... Why I say 'ugh' well 1 it means that I now have to research new stations and collect information for them, and 2 it reminds me of how many stations, well how do I put it... are installed by ... (this is a family safe blog), but I have to hope that the installer has no formal meteorological training.

But again I must say, all data is greatly appreciated. But when you install an anemometer on the roof of a building or house or near a tree, wall or anything that can change the flow of air to the anemometer... well lets just say that you basically make your data almost useless. When anemometers are installed they should be in clean air, that means a safe distance from any upwind obstacles. And no the roof is not a good place, unless you are going to install a tower tall enough to avoid the affects the roof actually cause, especially roof with a good steep angle. Depending on the location, winds can have increased values or in many cases where they are partially blocked, very low poor values. Also if you are wonder what a good height is... where the National Hurricane Center defines a surface wind at 10 meters, so if you can get you anemometer up 10 meters even better.

Now before all you amateur meteorologist start sending me hate mail... well let me state that the only reason I've writing this post is because these sites that I'm complaining about are installed by public sector groups, not private citizens. In most cases, I have no access to private data collected by home owners and amateur meteorologist, I only have access to data on the international feeds. So now do you see why I'm so frustrated with the installations....

All I ask is that you think before you install. And yes there are standards... take a look at http://www.ofcm.gov/siting/text/a-cover.htm if you are serious about this kind of thing.

But again, for all you out there providing wind data. THANKS! and yes I do mean it... any data is better than no data.