- Site:
A site refers to the location at which the observing sensors are
located. A site is usually the name of the school or the community that the
school is located in.
- Date & Time:
Date & Time refers to the time at which the observation was
taken. All times on this web site are in central time zone following either
standard or daylight savings time.
- Air Temperature:
Air temperature is a measure of the amount of energy in the
molecules composing the air. SchoolNet8 sites record temperatures via an
aspirated thermometer. Temperatures are presented in units of
Fahrenheit.
- Relative Humidity:
Relative humidity is a measure of the ratio between the amount of
water vapor a parcel of air can hold versus how much it can potentially
hold at saturation. This value is typically expressed as a per cent value.
- Dew Point:
Dew point is the temperature at which 100% relative humidity (or saturation)
would occur if the air was cooled without change in water vapor or pressure.
Dew points are often a good indication of the human comfort level. Values
above 65 degrees fahrenheit are often very uncomfortable.
- Wind Speed/Direction:
Wind speed/direction are independent measures of the motion of
the atmosphere. On this website, wind direction shows you 'where the
wind is blowing from.' Or in other words, the direction you would have to
stand in order to have the wind blowing in your face. Wind speed is
a measure of the speed of the atmospheric motions expressed in miles/hour (MPH).
- Pressure:
Pressure is a direct measure of the weight of the atmosphere
above the point of measurement. Differences of pressure in space result
in winds.
- Feels Like:
The Feels like temperature tries to account for the effect
of wind, moisture, and air temperature on the human skin. Values are in
degrees of fahrenheit.
- Rain for the Day:
Rain for the day is the amount of rainfall recorded during the
current day. Sites in the KCCI SchoolNet use non-heated tipping buckets to
record rainfall, so cold season precip is not accurately measured. Values
are reported in inches of rain.
- Rain for the Month:
Rain for the month is the amount of rainfall recored for the
current month. Values are reported in inches of rain.
- High Temperature:
High temperature is the maximum air temperature recorded for
the current day. Values are in degrees of Fahrenheit.
- Low Temperature:
Low temperature is the minimum air temperature recorded for
the current day. Values are in degrees of Fahrenheit.
- High Wind:
High wind is the maximum recorded gust for the current day.
Values are in miles per hour MPH.
- Solar:
Solar is the amount of solar radiation (direct and diffuse)
measured at the station. This value varies based on sun altitude and the
amount of clouds and other particles in the sky.
Values are in units of watts per meter squared.
- High Solar:
High solar is the maximum recorded value of solar radiation.
Values are in units of watts per meter squared.
- Wind Barbs:
Wind barbs are a convient way to express wind speed and wind
direction in one symbol. The orientation of the barb to the station
indicates the wind direction. For example, a barb pointing south indicates
a south wind. The little 'flags' on the end of the barb indicate the magnitude
of the wind speed. Each full flag represents 10 knots of wind speed. Each half
flag represents approximately 5 knots of wind.