Weather Balloons

Weather Balloons: Silicon Valley companies are developing AI-powered alternatives to traditional weather balloons, aiming to offer a more cost-effective solution than those currently used by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

• About Weather Balloons: Also known as sounding balloons, are high-altitude balloons used to gather atmospheric data.

၀ Carry a radiosonde, a small device that measures:Temperature, Atmospheric pressure, Humidity, Wind speed

၀ Significance: Provide accurate low-level atmospheric data, essential for calibrating satellite measurements and supporting precise weather forecasting and climate monitoring.

• Special Uses: Aviation safety, Pollution monitoring, Research & meteorology, Aerial photography and videography

• Specialized Types:

၀ Pilot balloons (Pibal) – Track wind patterns.

၀ Dropsondes – Released from aircraft for in-flight atmospheric data.

၀ Mobile launchers – Operated from vehicles or ships.