Nebraska Mesonet grows with real-time data upgrades

By Scout Nelson

The Nebraska Mesonet, a vital tool for weather monitoring, has launched a redesigned website providing real-time weather updates. This upgrade ensures weather data is available “on demand,” updating every minute to offer current conditions, which is critical for agriculture, emergency planning, and severe weather forecasting.

“Especially for severe weather or agriculture, knowing what’s happening right now is vital,” said Nebraska Mesonet Manager. The data, previously delayed by an hour, now delivers precise and timely insights, helping users make informed decisions.

The Nebraska Mesonet consists of 74 automated weather stations across the state, operated by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The network collects data on temperature, humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, precipitation, and soil moisture, serving key sectors such as agriculture, emergency services, and government agencies.

With increasing demand for high-quality weather data, the mesonet has partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies to expand its network. Funding will add 50 more stations over the next three years, enhancing coverage and accuracy. 

These data support drought monitoring, disaster relief programs, wildfire prevention, and NASA’s soil moisture satellite validation efforts.

The mesonet also offers advanced tools such as Delta T for safe herbicide application, heat stress analysis metrics, and the Cattle Comfort Index to protect livestock. Additional features like crop water use, evapotranspiration rates, and live on-site camera imagery are planned.

“This is truly the people’s weather network,” Behnke said. “Our goal is to provide the highest-quality data and make it accessible to everyone.”

The Nebraska Mesonet remains an essential resource, helping agricultural producers, local agencies, and researchers optimize practices, conserve resources, and respond to changing environmental conditions.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-tlillico