1. Time That Data Are Collected

• Definition: The specific date and time when the weather observation data were recorded.
• Explanation: This timestamp indicates when the measurements were taken, which is crucial for understanding the current weather conditions and tracking changes over time. Observations are typically made at regular intervals, such as every hour or every few hours, depending on the station.

2. Weather Station Name

• Definition: The identifier or name of the weather observation station where the data were collected.
• Explanation: This helps in locating the specific station providing the data, which is essential for users to know the geographical context of the weather information. Each station has a unique name or code that distinguishes it from others.

3. Air Temperature

• Definition: The measure of how hot or cold the air is, typically reported in degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
• Explanation: Air temperature is a fundamental weather parameter that affects various aspects of daily life and weather patterns. It is measured using thermometers or temperature sensors and provides insight into current weather conditions and trends.

4. Dew Point Temperature

• Definition: The temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture and dew begins to form.
• Explanation: The dew point indicates the amount of moisture in the air. A higher dew point suggests more humidity, which can impact comfort levels and weather conditions. It is a key parameter for predicting fog, frost, and precipitation.

5. Wind Direction, Wind Speed, and Wind Gust

• Definition:
• Wind Direction: The direction from which the wind is blowing, usually reported in degrees (°) or as cardinal directions (e.g., N, NE).
• Wind Speed: The rate at which the wind is moving, reported in units such as miles per hour (mph).
• Wind Gust: A brief, sudden increase in wind speed, typically lasting a few seconds.
• Explanation:
• Wind Direction helps in understanding weather patterns and can influence temperature and precipitation.
• Wind Speed indicates the strength of the wind, which can affect comfort, safety, and various activities.
• Wind Gusts are important for assessing potential impacts from high winds, such as damage or dangerous conditions.

6. Visibility

• Definition: The distance one can clearly see, typically measured in miles.
• Explanation: Visibility is important for navigation and safety, particularly for aviation and driving. It can be affected by weather phenomena like fog, rain, or snow.

7. Mean Sea Level Pressure

• Definition: The atmospheric pressure at sea level, adjusted from the measured pressure at the weather station's elevation.
• Explanation: Sea level pressure is a crucial parameter for understanding weather systems. It helps in identifying high and low-pressure systems, which are associated with different weather conditions such as clear skies or storms.

8. 3-hours Pressure Change

• Definition: The difference in atmospheric pressure over a specific period, often reported as a change in pressure over the past 3 hours.
• Explanation: Monitoring pressure changes helps in forecasting weather trends and identifying the development of weather systems, such as approaching storms or improving conditions.

9. Sea Surface Temperature (SST)

• Definition: The temperature of the ocean's surface water.
• Explanation: SST is important for understanding marine conditions and weather patterns, as it influences atmospheric conditions and can impact weather phenomena like hurricanes and coastal weather.

10. Wave Height

• Definition: The vertical distance between the crest (top) and the trough (bottom) of a wave.
• Explanation: Wave height is a key parameter for marine and coastal conditions, affecting navigation, beach safety, and coastal erosion.

11. Cloud Cover

• Definition: The fraction of the sky covered by clouds, often reported as a percentage or in octas (eighths of the sky).
• Explanation: Cloud cover affects solar radiation and weather conditions. It can influence temperature, visibility, and weather forecasts.

12. Cloud Base

• Definition: The height above ground level where the bottom of a cloud layer begins.
• Explanation: Cloud base height is important for aviation and weather forecasting, as it impacts visibility and potential for weather events like thunderstorms.

13. Priority

• Definition: The level of importance assigned to the weather observation data or parameters.
• Explanation: Priority helps in determining which data points are most critical for immediate reporting or alerting. Higher priority may be given to severe weather indicators or critical conditions.

14. Table Name

• Definition: The name of the data table where the weather observations are stored.
• Explanation: This helps in organizing and retrieving weather data from databases. The table name typically reflects the type of data or the specific weather parameters being recorded.

Surface observation data are imprtant in weather forecasting and fundamental for:
- Current Weather Analysis: Understanding present conditions and weather patterns.
- Weather Forecasting: Providing the baseline data used in numerical weather models to predict future conditions.
- Climate Monitoring: Tracking long-term trends and changes in weather patterns.

Overall, surface observation data are crucial for accurate weather forecasting and for providing real-time information about weather conditions that can impact safety, agriculture, transportation, and various other sectors.