What is the main purpose of a Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS)?

The primary function of a Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) is to collect and transmit weather data remotely. This capability is crucial for monitoring environmental conditions, particularly in remote or inaccessible areas where conventional weather observation sites may not be feasible. RAWS is equipped with various sensors that measure atmospheric parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation, enabling the collection of real-time data. This information is then transmitted to data centers for analysis, which supports decision-making processes in various fields, including firefighting, agriculture, and meteorology.

While the other options involve weather or data collection in some capacity, they do not accurately reflect the core purpose of a RAWS. For instance, on-site weather forecasts are not typically provided by RAWS; instead, they focus on data gathering. Although recording historical climate patterns is valuable, it is a secondary function rather than the main purpose of a RAWS. Air traffic control systems are unrelated to the objectives of a RAWS, emphasizing the specific role of automated weather data collection.