Up, up and away: Why Borderland meteorologists still rely heavily on weather balloons
EL PASO, Texas -- It's a bird, it's a plane, it's ... a balloon? Every day the National Weather Service launches weather balloons from their office in El Paso, it’s a critical part of the National Weather Service's upper-air observations. Weather balloons are launched from about 900 locations around the world to collect information on temperature, humidity, and winds at various levels in the atmosphere. In the United States, weather balloons are launched in the morning and in the evening at the National Weather Service in El Paso they're launched at 4:00 am and 4:00 pm. Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jason Laney said, "Balloons go up around the world so we have one common snapshot to put in our weather models."
This process is the only way Meteorologists have a sample of the atmosphere up to about 100-thousand ft. The weather balloon is typically made of synthetic rubber and is filled with hydrogen. The amount of hydrogen gas that is used depends on the weather conditions. Windy conditions and rain require additional gas. They launch rain or shine and during strong winds--but there is one exception, Laney explained, " We cannot launch a balloon in thunderstorms. If there is lightning it's a no go, thunderstorms are like big vacuums. They suck air into them. It’s useless!"
Laney said that the important part is the instrument---It's what Meteorologist calls the radiosonde. The radiosonde uses the information at the upper-level that sends data back to the weather computers. This information is needed to assess the likelihood of severe weather. After the launch, they return to the office, where they check the information. This process will go on for about 90 minutes until the balloon finally bursts. The balloons are designed to pop after they drift about 120 miles. Newton's third law of motion states; "what goes up must come down." Meteorologist Joe Rogash explained that there is a parachute that is attached to the end of the balloon. Once the balloon bursts the parachute will slow the descent of the radiosonde. This is a preventative method so that when it comes down it doesn't hurt anybody. “We’ve had them land in people's trees, “Laney said. He explained that it is a harmless weather instrument. If you find a weather balloon/radiosonde cut and discard the string to the balloon and orange parachute. Remove the plastic mailbag and seal the instrument inside the bag. The mailbag is located inside the plastic tube below the radiosonde. Your best bet is to take the radiosonde package to your mail carrier. Postage is prepaid if the instrument is mailed within the United States.
The dependable weather balloon has been a dynamic data tool for forecasters for decades. Computer forecast models that use weather balloon data are used by forecasters worldwide, from National Weather Service Meteorologists to the Stormtrack Weather team. Without this material, precise forecasts beyond a few hours would be almost impossible.
