Course Info: ASOS and AWOS Explained: Key Differences, Similarities and Uses

ASOS and AWOS Explained: Key Differences, Similarities and Uses

Course Description

ASOS and AWOS stations are integral to much of the success of the weather enterprise. There has been a large recent push in observation stations as the FAA has increased the number of AWOS stations and the NWS has fewer ASOS stations or has no responsibility or control over them or the data collected. These observation stations are vital to near-real time analysis, numerical weather data input, and climatology. The stations share many commonalities but there are differences between them that may be difficult to detect, especially for newer forecasters or those new to the forecast region. This lesson will teach learners the fundamental differences between ASOS and AWOS, focusing on data produced, and common technical and operational problems they may encounter.

Intended Audience

The intended audience for this lesson are operational forecasters, climatologists, researchers, university communities including students looking to build or expand their meteorological analysis skills, government agencies, and private enterprise. This is a basic level course and could also appeal to those with a basic meteorological knowledge of observations.

Publication Date

February 25, 2025

Questions or Comments? 

We welcome any comments or questions you may have regarding the content, instructional approach, or use of this lesson. Please e-mail your comments or questions to Adam Hirsch (ahirsch@ucar.edu). For technical support, please visit our Registration and Support FAQs.