Weather Geekery
And now a summary of my recent weather geekery…
Wind Speed Software
I am currently working on a new piece of software for InSpeed’s Vortex anemometer. It’s going to be completely written in Python to ensure that it’s platform agnostic. Currently the backend is written to properly read and calculate the wind speed. I’ve cross referenced my data with the data generated by InSpeed’s WindWare software and the numbers are pretty close.
The primary need for a new version of the software is not only for multiple platform support, but also to allow the program to be more robust with what it does with the data. The end product will allow for uploading the data in various formats as well as providing graphing on current and archived data. The alert system will also be expanded to send triggers to various programs and the sending of messages via multiple methods/protocols (SMS, Email, IM).
For the front end I’ll be using the Python port of wxWidgets, wxWindows. I’ve written a few desktop apps using wxWindows but it quite a bit of hackery to say the least. This time around I not only have a better understanding of the library, but of Python as well.
GEMPAK Weather Software
Today I’m going to try and install GEMPAK:
GEMPAK is an analysis, display, and product generation package for meteorological data. It is used at National Centers for producing operational forecast and analysis products. Graphical User Interfaces provide convenient access to interactive data manipulation. A comprehensive set of decoders enables integration of real-time and archive data, products, and bulletins.
I’ve heard the install can get really hairy but I’m up for the challenge. About 6 months ago I tried to install it on a Windows box using Cygwin but quickly learned why it’s only been done a couple of times. This time around I’ll be using a VMware virtual machine with Debian. I’ve seen that Redhat Fedora Core is most used but I’m partial to Debian based systems since I’ve had the most experience with it. If it seems too difficult or troublesome I’ll certainly give it a go with RH FC.
Skywarn
Since my appointment as Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Wayne County Skywarn I’ve become more and more involved with local NWS office and other Skywarn officials in the area.
Up and coming we have two Skywarn training classes that will be given by the National Weather Service in Garden City, MI. You can find more information at the Wayne County ARPSC Skywarn website. If you have any questions regarding these please feel free to contact me or leave a comment here.
In the coming weeks I’ll be working on a new Skywarn page for Wayne County that will include access to local weather data, NEXRAD imagery, as well as some forecasting tools. The goal is create a template off of what other Skywarn organizations have done so that we can have unified system for reporting severe weather in SE Michigan. Since severe weather knows no county lines the ability to quickly communicate spotter data and damage reports to others in the path is vital to saving lives.
If you have any experience, suggestions, ideas, or comments about any three of these topics please get a hold of me. I’m not one to turn down free help.