NOAA boosts weather data collection capabilities with new Mesonet contract

NOAA boosts weather data collection capabilities with new Mesonet contract August 27, 2026 An array of observational equipment used by NOAA. The National Mesonet Program includes devices such as radars, weather balloons, ground-based temperature sensors, and ocean buoys. (Image credit: NOAA) Download Image NOAA’s National Weather Service will expand the National Mesonet Program offsite link — an observational weather “network of networks” that delivers critical information required for improved weather prediction and warnings across the United States — through a new contract that begins on September 1. “NOAA gathers environmental information from a wide variety of sources, and a growing list of private industry partners have joined our agency to collect this vital data,” said Ken Graham, director, NOAA’s National Weather Service. “This agreement streamlines the process that turns raw data into the gold-standard forecasts that Americans depend on.” This new contract extends an existing partnership with KBR Wyle Services, LLC, while greatly increasing its scope. As the primary contractor, KBR will work with other private industry partners, about 70 in total, to provide services such