By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky Mesonet mobile application has received a major update, introducing a modern design and several new features that improve access to weather and climate information across Kentucky. The app, originally launched in 2018 for iOS and Android devices, continues to provide valuable real-time weather conditions while offering expanded tools for users who depend on accurate local data.
The updated app connects users to information from nearly 90 weather monitoring sites located throughout the state. It provides current weather measurements, including temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, barometric pressure, and solar radiation. These features remain central to the application and continue to support a wide range of users.
One of the most significant improvements is the addition of historical weather data. Users can now explore weather conditions from the past week, month, or even year directly through the app. This enhancement allows farmers, researchers, emergency managers, and residents to review trends and better understand changing weather patterns.
The latest version was developed by ChunHei (Leo) Yuen, Mesonet Applications Developer and Andrew Quilligan, Systems Architect. Along with improved weather data access, the application now includes advanced soil monitoring features.
Users can view soil moisture and temperature information at different depths, providing valuable insights for agricultural management and environmental monitoring.
The updated app also enhances the weather camera experience. Webcam imagery was previously available, but users can now access timelapse functionality, allowing them to review up to an hour of past images in addition to viewing current conditions. This feature can help users monitor weather developments more effectively.
Dr. Jerry Brotzge, Director of Kentucky Mesonet, Kentucky Climate Center and Professor of Meteorology at WKU Ogden College of Science and Engineering emphasized the value of the upgraded platform. He stated, “The Kentucky Mesonet app is an essential tool for getting local, real-time weather information into the hands of those who need it fast, such as emergency managers, first-responders and farmers. The new app expands the number of products available, now including ready access to historical weather data for monitoring recent weather events and long-term trends.”
He further added, “The Kentucky Mesonet is always working to improve the quality and unity of the weather data that we collect. We’re expanding the number of stations across the Commonwealth, improving the reliability and accuracy of the network through new sensor upgrades and building new software to facilitate new users and sectors. The new app builds on these new technologies and products, helping save lives and property statewide.”
The Kentucky Mesonet serves as Kentucky’s official source of weather and climate information. Its network includes 88 stations across 82 counties, collecting and transmitting weather data every five minutes throughout the year. By combining real-time conditions, historical records, soil monitoring tools, and timelapse imagery, the updated app strengthens access to critical information for agriculture, public safety, and community planning across the state.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wiyadaa
Categories: Kentucky, Weather