More than two years after road access and electrical power to the Mauna Loa Observatory was cut off by lava flows, NOAA staff continue to make critical measurements of the atmosphere and other environmental variables at the remote site.
In 2023, observatory staff installed solar panels at the site and resumed some measurements, including the independent carbon dioxide monitoring programs run by the Global Monitoring Laboratory and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, as well as other atmospheric measurements.
Construction of a temporary road to access the observatory site is anticipated to begin in summer 2025.
Media can contact: Theo Stein (303) 819-7409 (theo.stein@noaa.gov)
Organization(s):
National Weather Service Honolulu Forecast Office
What does this program measure?
The Max/Min Temperature Unit records 24 hour Maximum/Minimum temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit. The Standard Rain gauge records 24 hour rainfall in hundreds of an inch.
How does this program work?
The data is measured manually by MLO personnel and and relayed to the Honolulu Forecast office by telephone through the ROSA system.
- A 20-cm rain gauge is recorded 5 times per week at MLO.
- A 20-cm rain gauge is recorded 1 time per week at Kulani Mauka.
- A rain gauge and tipping bucket are measured continuously at MLO.
Why is this research important?
The temperature and rainfall data are transmitted daily via telephone to the Honolulu Forecast office through a network called PRONET which is entered in the AWIPS computer bank to be used as a forecasting aid.
Are there any trends in the data?
The data are used by the Forecast Office as a guide in updating their forecast. The data are mainly used as “real time” data.
How does this program fit into the big picture?
What is it's role in global climate change?
Same as above.
Comments and References
Lead Investigator(s):
Wilfred Laplante
808-933-6938
MLO Contact(s):
David Nardini
808-933-6965 (x229)
Paul Fukumura
808-933-6965 (x223)
Web Site(s)
Date Started
December 23, 1998
Related Programs
NWS Max Min Temperature
Meteorology
Photographs:
