Host a Purdue Mesonet Weather Station

The Purdue Mesonet would love to see a weather station in every county throughout Indiana. In addition to securing funding to purchase the equipment, we are always looking for site hosts who will partner with Purdue University and the Indiana State Climate Office to host a weather station on their property. A local advocate is critical for supporting the process of obtaining a local weather station, whether or not they host the station on their property.

General Site Requirements

• 10 ft x 10 ft area for weather station (and possible fencing enclosure)
• 60 ft x 60 ft open area (i.e., not close to building, tree obstructions)
• Location that is generally environmentally representative of broader area

Cost of Materials

• Fencing (if in public location): ~$3000
• 10 ft x 10 ft x 8 ft fence around station
• Standard gate
• Chain-link is preferred to allow wind flow
• Concrete: ~$500
• Base for main weather station: 2 ft x 2 ft x 3 ft deep
• Base for rain gauge: 14 in x 14 in x 2 ft deep
• Total concrete ~0.6 cubic yards
• Hole digger recommended

Instrument Costs ~$11,000

• Temperature sensors (3)
• Temperature and humidity sensor
• Precipitation gauge
• Radiometer (sunlight)
• Anemometer (wind speed and direction)
• Soil temperature and moisture (4)
• Datalogger
• Solar panels
• Battery
• Cellular modem
• 3 meter tower

Annual Sustainability Costs

• Field technician
• Database/online tools programmer
• Program manager

Services Provided by Indiana State Climate Office

• Station construction, maintenance and calibration
• Troubleshooting
• Data quality control and assurance
• Public access to data via website
• Value-added online products

Contact Us

If you or someone you know may be interested in hosting a Purdue Mesonet station, please contact the Indiana State Climate Office by email (in-sco@purdue.edu) or phone (765-494-8060).