Introducing Your Weather
Your Weather provides a national real-time view of New Zealand weather conditions, combining the latest observations from MetService automatic weather stations, weather cameras and traffic cameras with observations from weather stations owned by members of the public and other groups. Look for the Your Weather tab on Towns & Cities pages.
MetService has collaborated with the Met Office (the UK’s national weather service) to source weather station data from the WOW (Weather Observations Website) System. The WOW System was developed to provide an online hub for UK weather observations. It now has global coverage and has attracted visits from weather enthusiasts in more than 170 countries.
To find out what kinds of weather stations work with Your Weather, check out the Compatible Weather Stations and Software page. Then visit the Add Your Own Weather Station page and put your place on the map!
Take a look at this story from ONE Newsfor a quick look at the features ofYour Weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I view MetService observations in Your Weather?
Yes - the most up-to-date observations from MetService's Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) are displayed on Your Weather. A filter is provided so you can turn either the MetService or third-party weather stations on or off.Can I view MetService forecasts in Your Weather?
No – our forecasts remain in their usual place on separate tabs and pages.How do I lodge observations from my own automatic weather station?
From any Your Weather page, select add your own weather station. Details on how to ingest your data into the WOW System are provided.I think I've followed all the instructions but I still can't submit my AWS data to the WOW System. What should I try next?
Try these trouble-shooting tips:- Check if there are any error logs or messages in your supporting software.
- Make sure that you have entered your WOW Site ID number and your 6-digit AWS PIN correctly in your supporting software settings.
- Ensure that data is posted in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) which may be set in your supporting software. Do not post in local time as the WOW System assumes all data submitted is in UTC.
- Check that your computer's operating system does not have any firewalls that restrict messages being sent to the WOW System (e.g. Windows 8 has a built-in firewall).
- Once you think all the settings are correctly entered, send a test observation to check that your equipment is working correctly with WOW. Create a site name in WOW that starts with the word TEST and use this site to check your equipment and settings. Once you are confident that everything is working (data is being successfully submitted) this site should be marked as inactive within the site details form, and a new site created.
- Still having problems? Use the WOW System’s feedback form and provide details of your site and connection issues. Error logs from your site may be retrieved by the Met Office to diagnose any problems. You can also send a post for help to the WOW Forum where other WOW users can give advice. Once you are connected, share your AWS site installation and WOW connection experience on the Forum so others can learn and set up their own stations.
As an existing WOW System user, will I have to re-establish my site/s or login so my station appears in Your Weather?
No, there is only one WOW database. However, Your Weather only displays observations that are less than 60 minutes old so, depending on your station's settings (and whether you are uploading observations automatically or manually), not all of your observations may appear.
There is a function in the WOW System to submit weather impacts - are they relevant to New Zealand?
Users all over the world can submit information on weather impacts using the WOW System. The type and severity of these impacts have been designed for UK environmental conditions, but many still have general relevance to New Zealand (e.g. damage to infrastructure or property from hail storms). Your Weather does not currently display this type of information, but you can still record it for your own interest.
Can a network of stations be automatically submitted for display on Your Weather?
Yes - MetService encourages all owners of either single stations or meteorological networks of all sizes to submit their automated observations to the WOW System so we can display them on Your Weather. Go to the UKMO's WOW System support page to find out how to import your data into the WOW System.
I already share my data with another automatic self-lodgement system; can I also submit data for display on Your Weather?
Definitely! For more information about software that is compatible with the WOW System, go to the Compatible Weather Stations and Software page.
Does MetService recommend any particular weather stations for use with Your Weather?
No – there are many different stations available and we encourage you to find instruments suited to your location, personal usage needs and budget.To find out what kinds of weather stations and software work with Your Weather, check out the Compatible Weather Stations and Software page. Then visit the Add Your Own Weather Station page and put your place on the map!
How can I best set up my weather station?
Setting up your weather station to the specifications below will achieve the highest quality data rating in the WOW System. However, these specifications are a guide only and many sites will not conform to these stringent standards. Documenting your site conditions, whatever they are, in the WOW System will enable your valuable observations to be useful.Rain Gauge - an open area 300mm above ground free of obstructions such as trees and buildings (ideally the site should be twice the height of obstructions distant from those obstructions).
Anemometer (for wind speed) - 10m above ground level on a mast in an open area free of obstructions such as trees and buildings.
Temperature and humidity sensors - in a shaded well ventilated white enclosure at a height of 1.2m above ground level. The ground surface should be natural grass mowed to a couple of cm high. Concrete or bitumen surfaces are to be avoided as the retained heat affects overnight temperatures.
You can also upload photos of your weather station in the WOW System. Site photos help other users of the data judge the quality of instrument siting and the impact on your observations.
For more detailed, technical information about siting your weather station, here are some helpful guidelines:
Bureau of Meteorology Guidelines for the Siting and Exposure of Meteorological Observations (PDF)
Royal Meteorological Society Guidelines for Setting up a Weather Station (PDF)
