Thanks to TAMU for soundings

One of the observation components of this years EFP has been an intercomparison between the Vaisala RS92 and InterMet radiosondes to help verify the Microwave Radiometer that we (Dave Turner at NSSL) have on the roof of the National Weather Center. We were lucky to have Don Conley from Texas A & M bring his observations class on the road and visit the HWT conduct some local and mobile radiosonde intercomparisons. They did two mobile deployments: one in Concordia, KS on Wednesday and Altus, OK on Friday for helping to verify the models we are using for convection initiation.

They drove from Norman to Concordia and were able to make 3 launches (4 really), and 2 trips to Walmart (for helium and then to return said helium). Many thanks to the City of Concordia and the airport manager for allowing them to use a hangar for these balloon launches in very strong winds (which caused the failure of the very 1st balloon launch). They got to a great spot just east of 2 very long and robust Horizontal Convective Rolls both of which produced CI along the front-HCR intersection.

I haven't heard the stories from today, but I do know they got to Altus after lunch at Meers (for the Meers burger, obviously) and got off two launches again in an environment characterized by HCRs. These are great tests of the instruments, great experiences for the students, and excellent learning opportunities for the rest of us.

They (and you) should know that these soundings make their way to the SPC (something that is usually done upon request at TAMU) and prove valuable. These types of partnerships, sometimes ad hoc, but almost always mutually beneficial are what make the HWT a vibrant place for forecasting, research, research forecasting and forecasting research; and now with observations!

You can find the mobile and local soundings here.

Again, Thanks Don, Mike D., Mike C. and the whole Observations Class (Send me your names and we can make you famous* write them on here!).

*Fame not guaranteed.