Western Kentucky University
A Comprehensive Weather Climatology Utilizing 15-years of Kentucky Mesonet Data
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Math Econ- Actuarial science
Minor
Computer Science
2nd Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
2nd Student Major
Math Econ- Actuarial science
2nd Student Minor
Finance
Institution 23-24
Western Kentucky University
KY House District #
20;20
KY Senate District #
32;32
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Jerald Brotzge, PhD
Department
Meteorology
Abstract
The Kentucky Mesonet (www.kymesonet.org), established in 2006, represents a pivotal state-funded initiative in atmospheric and soil data collection. Comprising over 80 automated weather stations, this network spans Kentucky, meticulously gathering and archiving in excess of 1 million daily observations. To date, the Mesonet has amassed a formidable archive of over one billion data points, encapsulating over 15 years of diverse weather and climate patterns across the Commonwealth. Despite this rich repository of climatic data, a holistic climatological analysis utilizing this extensive dataset has not been undertaken. This study aims to fill this gap by crafting a comprehensive climatology of Kentucky, leveraging the entire Mesonet dataset. Employing advanced Python-based analytical techniques, we have systematically processed and analyzed the data, producing detailed climatological statistics for varying regional sites. The culmination of this project will be the publication of our findings in an accessible format, catering to a diverse audience that includes meteorologists, agriculturists, emergency response coordinators, and the general populace.
A Comprehensive Weather Climatology Utilizing 15-years of Kentucky Mesonet Data
The Kentucky Mesonet (www.kymesonet.org), established in 2006, represents a pivotal state-funded initiative in atmospheric and soil data collection. Comprising over 80 automated weather stations, this network spans Kentucky, meticulously gathering and archiving in excess of 1 million daily observations. To date, the Mesonet has amassed a formidable archive of over one billion data points, encapsulating over 15 years of diverse weather and climate patterns across the Commonwealth. Despite this rich repository of climatic data, a holistic climatological analysis utilizing this extensive dataset has not been undertaken. This study aims to fill this gap by crafting a comprehensive climatology of Kentucky, leveraging the entire Mesonet dataset. Employing advanced Python-based analytical techniques, we have systematically processed and analyzed the data, producing detailed climatological statistics for varying regional sites. The culmination of this project will be the publication of our findings in an accessible format, catering to a diverse audience that includes meteorologists, agriculturists, emergency response coordinators, and the general populace.