[wxqc] Wrong focus?

[James.Dudley at noaa.gov]

Folks,

I agree with Keith. I understand the focus of the verification
statistics is to give stations a baseline for what are considered "good"
observations based on surrounding stations. It is just that, a baseline.
It is quite rare that two stations (let alone several surrounding
stations) will have data that is identical. In my experience, each
station should have its own "microclimate identity" with unique data.
Yes, stations lying in similiar environments (dry land, flat topography,
etc) should have similiar readings, given an unchanging pattern). Even
properly sited instruments will have differing readings based on a
myriad of location affects such as type of soil, vegetation distribution
(grass vs dirt vs rock). As new stations come on line, In complex
terrain all bets are off and trying to emulate a surrounding station by
altering one's readings is counter productive. We need to know what the
extremes are  in these microclimates as long as the data is good for
that microclimate. As new stations come on line, I suggest we send the
operator a statement explaining just what the statistics mean and how
they can use the results. 

Regards,

Jim Dudley
CW2553 
Hanford CA