The National Weather Service (NWS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has renewed its contract with Climavision, a leader in weather technology. This extension allows the NWS to continue utilizing data from 13 of Climavision’s radar sites. Over the past year, 20 NWS forecast offices across seven states began evaluating Climavision’s radar data through the National Mesonet Program to assess its usefulness in field operations.
Climavision operates and maintains a growing network of more than 27 radars in 14 states. Their X-band radar system helps fill low-level gaps between existing NEXRAD sites, providing real-time weather data at lower altitudes to better observe weather hazards.
“Access to low-altitude data may provide additional radar coverage for our forecasters,” said Ajay Mehta, NWS Director of the Office of Observations. “Our ongoing evaluation allows us to explore the use of X-band radar data in our Radar Next program.”
Curtis Marshall, NWS Mesonet Program Manager, added, “The National Mesonet Program helps provide commercial observational data to NWS operations and forecasters. Through our partnership with Climavision, we’ve been able to distribute their radar data to some forecast offices and the Storm Prediction Center for evaluation.”
Climavision plans to expand its radar network to over 200 sites nationwide. With support from recent congressional directives and the pending reauthorization of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act, NOAA and NWS continue to partner with private companies to innovate and enhance operational capabilities.
Chris Goode, CEO and Co-Founder of Climavision, stated, “Our radar-as-a-service model positions us perfectly to support NOAA’s mission. We are excited to continue this collaboration, providing essential data where it’s needed most, especially in underserved areas to protect lives and property.”
Bill Callahan, Vice President of Federal Engagement at Synoptic Data, praised the partnership, noting, “Administering the National Mesonet Program and integrating Climavision’s radar data has been incredibly rewarding, enhancing the tools available to weather forecasters nationwide.”
Climavision remains committed to advancing the future of national weather forecasting infrastructure and improving safety across the U.S.
