Benson reporting current weather

[Metman2012]

Over the last couple of days, Benson AWS is reporting a present weather group in their SYNOP. They only have a human observer (the forecaster?) when the RAF are flying (normally office hours, but occasionally into the evening). I've never seen this reported before. Indeed, I had to download the decode for AWS present weather as it's not the same as for human reports.

Anyone know if this is permanent? Freddie?

[Freddie]

They've probably been upgraded from the MMS-based observing system to the new Surface Net one.  If that's the case, then it will be a permanent change.

The alternative present weather code for automatic reports has been in use for several years.  It may be that Benson didn't have a present weather sensor until recently.

[Metman2012]

Thanks Freddie, very interesting. I just have to remember the auto code isn't the same as the manual! Is there anything online about present weather sensors? When I was with the OpenRoad section back in the 90s, I did some of the training material. Present wx sensors were being thought about, but I never actually saw one or knew how they worked. Then I joined the webteam as you know!

[Freddie]

Yes, these are the sensors that are typically used: https://www.campbellsci.com/cs125