Observation Time

This is the local valid time for which the observation was taken. There may be some ambiguity around the times when Iowa changes from CDT->CST and vice-versa.

Air Temperature [tmpf]

This value is simply the temperature of the air. Values are in units of degrees Fahrenhit.

Wind Direction [drct]

Wind Direction can sometimes be a hard concept to interpret. The values are in integer degrees for where the wind is blowing from. 0° is a wind from the North. 90° is a wind from the East. 180° in a wind from the South. &270° is a wind from the West.
For example. If the value is 90, this is an easterly wind. Meaning, if you were facing east, the wind would be in your face.

Wind Speed [sknt]

For the schoolNet sites, this value is an instantenous measurement of the wind speed. Values are in knots.

Daily Precip Counter [pday]

This value is the accumulated amount of precip recorded at the site for the local day. Values are in inches.

Monthly Precip Counter [pmonth]

This value is the accumulated amount of precip recorded at the site for the current month. Values are in inches.

Solar Radiation [srad]

Instantaneous values of solar radiation. Values are in Watts.

Relative Humidity [relh]

Relative humidity is expressed as a percentage. It is a measure of the amount of water vapor currently in the air versus the capacity of the air.

Altimeter [alti]

Atmospheric pressure expressed in inches of mercury.