The University of Oklahoma’s Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations (CIWRO) is advancing meteorological tools by developing CopterSonde drones. These uncrewed aerial systems are designed to enhance data collection in the lower atmosphere, a critical area for understanding severe weather patterns. Supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the drones aim to address gaps in current forecasting methods.
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Traditional tools such as weather balloons, which are launched only twice daily, offer limited coverage and cannot track localized atmospheric conditions in real time. Current radar systems also leave gaps, updating every four to six minutes, which can delay detecting rapidly forming storm systems like tornadoes. According to the National Weather Service, the average warning time for tornadoes in the U.S. is about 16 minutes, leaving insufficient time for communities to prepare effectively.
The CopterSonde offers flexibility by allowing targeted deployment to areas of interest during uncertain weather patterns. For instance, during the 2023 Rolling Fork tornado, CopterSonde drones collected real-time localized data, providing forecasters a clearer picture of atmospheric instability and enhancing awareness of the storm’s trajectory. This detailed observation capability could extend warning times in high-risk areas, reducing casualties and property damage.
Protecting, helping, saving
Beyond tornado prediction, the CopterSonde is a sustainable tool compared to single-use radiosondes, which attach to weather balloons. Radiosondes typically create environmental waste, while the CopterSonde is battery-powered and reusable, aligning with efforts to reduce ecological impact in meteorology.
Researchers envision integrating CopterSonde drones with weather systems like Mesonet to develop a “3D Mesonet,” capable of providing advanced, high-resolution atmospheric data. This network could assist in monitoring a range of phenomena, including wildfires, hurricanes, and flash floods, beyond its current focus on tornadoes. Its future applications may include autonomous, automated deployments for real-time weather tracking.
While still under refinement, the CopterSonde project highlights the potential role of innovative drone technology in public safety and scientific research. Its continued development represents a collaborative effort between academic institutions and federal agencies to address increasingly complex weather challenges.
Photo credit: The images shown are owned by the University of Oklahoma.
Source: Official press release / additional source information
