Surface weather observations are the basic information upon which forecasts and warnings are made in support of a wide range of weather sensitive activities within the public and private sectors.
The surface observational program here at WFO Brownsville represents the modern National Weather Service observing and climatological networks as supported by ASOS. The program directly and indirectly affects the safety and economic welfare of many people.
Surface meteorological data is reported in a new primary observing code called METAR, used by all countries of the world. METAR contains a report of wind, visibility, runway visual range, present weather, sky condition, temperature, dew point, and altimeter setting, collectively referred to as "the body of the report". In addition, coded and/or plain language information which elaborates on data in the body of the report may be appended to the METAR.
SPECI is an unscheduled report taken when special criteria have been observed. SPECI contain all data elements found in a METAR plus additional plain language information which elaborates on data in the body of the report.