What is a typical shelter location for RAWS systems?

A typical shelter location for Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) systems is in elevated locations, clear of surrounding obstructions. This positioning is crucial for several reasons. Elevated sites allow for unobstructed airflow, which is essential for accurate meteorological data collection. When sensors are placed higher, they can effectively measure parameters like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direction without interference from nearby trees or structures that could skew the readings or create microclimates.

Moreover, being elevated helps to ensure that the station is not affected by ground-level disturbances, such as heat generated by the ground or vegetation. This placement supports the reliability and validity of the data collected, making it a best practice in RAWS installations. Proper siting enhances the overall performance of the RAWS, which is intended to support fire management and other environmental monitoring purposes by providing precise and real-time weather data.