AWOS

AWOS, or Automated Weather Observing System, is an automated meteorological observing system used at airports and other sites to provide continuous weather data with minimal or no human observation. Its primary purpose is to supply timely, reliable observations for aviation operations, weather forecasting, and air traffic control.

A typical AWOS reports essential parameters such as wind speed and direction, visibility, present weather, sky condition and ceiling, temperature, dew point, and altimeter setting. More advanced configurations may also include precipitation type and rate, as well as additional measurements depending on local requirements. The collected data undergo quality control and are disseminated to aviation users and national weather services, often feeding METAR observations and other formats used by pilots and meteorologists. Observations are transmitted via voice broadcasts, digital data links, and public weather portals.

AWOS configurations vary in capability. Basic systems provide core wind, visibility, weather, and temperature readings, while higher-end installations offer cloud base information, enhanced precipitation data, and additional sensors. In many countries, AWOS coexists with or complements ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System); AWOS is typically deployed at smaller airports or regions with limited ASOS coverage, whereas ASOS stations are generally part of a more comprehensive national network.

Reliability and maintenance are ongoing considerations for AWOS. Regular calibration, sensor maintenance, and data validation are required to ensure accuracy, and outages or sensor faults can affect data availability. Overall, AWOS contributes to the reliability of aviation weather information by providing automated, near-continuous observations at numerous sites worldwide.