John L. Vogel

Usage of Near Real-Time Climate Information

Abstract Through a computer-based system, weather data from Illinois are collected daily, checked, and summarized into various climatic products within hours after collection. This system was controlled for two years to demonstrate system feasibility, determine user interest and product desires, and plan for statewide urge. This study focuses on usage of system products. The private sector (agribusiness news media, and private industry) was the most frequent and persistent user group, suggesting user-pay as a possible approach for funding such a system. State and federal agencies, farmers, and extension agents also use the system but primarily during weather stress periods. The characteristics of usage should help in the design and selection of products in other emerging state and regional systems for dissemination of climate data and information. The usage patterns also indicate how climate conditions impact various private and public sectors in a humid continental climate.

New climate delivery system developed

The Illinois Climate Center can now provide information through the Climate Assistance Service (CLASS) about the current status of many weather parameters, such as accumulated degree days, differences between seasonal rainfall and normal, and long-range future climate predictions. Illinois is the first state to start such a near real-time climate information system where the observations are gathered from National Weather Service cooperative observers. The concept of CLASS was envisioned and designed by Stanley Changnon, chief of the Illinois State Water Survey; Wayne Wendland, head of the Climatology and Meteorology Section; and John Vogel, head of the surveys Climate Information Unit. Grants from the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources and from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Climate Analysis Center and National Climate Program Office) were coupled with existing Survey funds and information products of the Illinois State National History Survey to develop this system.