New York state is funding the New York State Mesonet – a network of weather stations built by the University at Albany – for the first time.
The recently approved state budget earmarks $2 million to support Mesonet operations across the state, the university announced.
The early warning weather system consists of 127 sites throughout the state spaced out about 17 miles apart, with at least one in every county. It’s equipped to measure and collect timely observations on temperatures, precipitations, wind and more, and helps local officials predict and respond to weather-related risks.
UAlbany built the Mesonet network from 2015 to 2018 using federal disaster aid following Superstorm Sandy, and now operates and maintains the network for the state during a time of heightened concerns over weather conditions.
Chris Thorncroft, director of UAlbany’s Atmospheric Sciences Research Center and executive director of the NYS Mesonet, said the “landmark” investment from the state will ensure the system continues to provide critical data for communities across the state.
“Over the last decade, the New York State Mesonet has grown into the most advanced and largest early-warning weather detection network in the nation, becoming an essential part of how New Yorkers prepare for and respond to hazardous weather,” Thorncroft said.
According to UAlbany, the first Mesonet site in Schuylerville will mark 11 years in operation in August. The 127th site, located in Lake Placid, came online in June 2024.
New Yorkers can access Mesonet data on its website.