How can environmental factors affect RAWS performance?

Environmental factors play a significant role in the performance of Remote Automatic Weather Stations (RAWS). These systems are designed to collect and report a variety of weather conditions, and their sensors can be sensitive to various environmental influences.

Dust, for instance, can cover sensors, leading to inaccurate readings or a complete failure to record data. Moisture, especially in the form of rain or high humidity, can affect the electrical components or cause corrosion, potentially impairing performance. Temperature extremes are similarly influential; extreme cold can cause batteries to lose efficiency or lead to condensation on components, while extreme heat can affect the calibration and functioning of electronic sensors.

The correct answer highlights that a combination of these factors—dust, moisture, and temperature extremes—can directly impair sensor performance. Understanding these influences is crucial for ensuring that RAWS are calibrated and maintained properly, allowing for accurate atmospheric data collection crucial in various fields, including meteorology and fire management.