Meteorological Evaluation Services Co., Inc.
165 Broadway
Amityville, NY 11701
(631) 691-3395

Consultants in Applied Meteorology and Air Quality Since 1972

               

 

Frequently Asked Questions

A. Weather Forecasting

Q

Do you provide weather forecasts? Do you do forecasting? I need a forecast for….

Can you forecast the weather for a specific event (wedding, prom) in the distant future?

I am traveling from Boston to Washington tomorrow. Can you tell me if it is going to snow, rain, or if I need my sun visor?
A

MES can provide specialized weather forecasts and consulting services for government agencies and private business. General forecasts of the weather for the public can be obtained from the National Weather Service home page.

MES can also provide air pollutant sampling, equipment installations and other activities that depend on accurate forecasts of specific weather parameters.

Q Which TV weather persons have formal training in meteorology?
A The American Meteorological Society (AMS) provides a certification program for broadcast Meteorologists. The certification requires that the broadcaster be trained in various aspects of meteorology. The broadcast station can verify which on-camera "weather" forecasters have obtained the AMS certification.

B. Past Weather Data and Forensic Meteorology

Q

Do you provide past weather data including:

What is the average high and low temperature on a given date?

What is the average rainfall/precipitation for a given month?

What was the snowfall at Central Park for the recent snowstorm?

A MES does provide past weather data. Please contact us to discuss the specifics of the location and time in question. MES can give you an expert opinion about weather events occurring at the location and time in question. This is extremely critical to our clients involved in litigation.
Q What is the difference between certified and non-certified weather records/forecasts?
A Certified meteorological records of National Weather Service data and weather forecasts are admissible in court without an expert (meteorologist). Non-certified data may be used depending on the willingness of the attorneys, the judge and state rules.
Q Do you provide certified and non-certified weather data, such as past National Weather Service weather forecasts, warnings, watches, advisories, etc.?
A

MES can obtain certified and non-certified copies of past weather records and forecasts in addition to special weather statements, warnings, watches & advisories, as well as, tidal information.

MES can calculate the times of sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset, as well as, the location of the sun and moon, phase of the moon and beginning and ending of civil twilight. These computations can be notarized, if desired. No government agency certifies such astronomical records.

E-mail us, fax or call us between 8:00AM and 5:00PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday and a meteorologist will be happy to assist you.

Q

What are some of the most deadly weather events that have occurred?

What is the strongest hurricane ever to hit Long Island?

What federal agencies record statistics on hurricanes and tornadoes?

A

You can find storm information at the following websites, all developed and updated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories/images/usafactsheet.pdf.

www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms.

Hurricane information can be found at the National Hurricane Center’s website: www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml.

Information on tornadoes can be found at www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado.

Q

Where can I find the historical extremes of various weather parameters for the town, county or state in which I live?

Where can I find the historical extremes of various weather parameters for U.S. or any country in the world?

A

The following website has also been developed and updated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

Extreme weather parameters can be found at

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/severeweather/extremes.html

C. Air Quality/Air Pollution

Q Can you tell me what the air quality is like in my area?
A MES can provide an analysis of the air quality in your area. However, MES does not monitor air quality. MES also determines the incremental contribution of a proposed source to the air pollution at a given location. For more general information on the air quality in your area, visit the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/whereyoulive.htm.
Q How does the weather affect air pollution?
A

The weather directly affects the distribution of air pollutants. Wind speed and direction, along with atmospheric stability, determine the path of pollutants. Thus, MES uses meteorology to determine pollutant concentrations in a given area with respect to the source(s) of pollutants.

In addition, sunshine, or solar radiation, plays an important part in chemical reactions, such as those that produce ozone.

Precipitation often cleanses the atmosphere. Pollutants in the cloud are rained to the ground, and pollutants below the cloud are washed out by precipitation.

Q Do you do asbestos or radon testing?
A No, MES does not perform asbestos or radon testing.
Q What are the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)?
A One of the purposes of the Clean Air Act is to set NAAQS for each criteria pollutant. The Clean Air Act established two types of NAAQS. Primary standards are designed to establish limits for protecting public health, including the health of people particularly sensitive to air pollution such as young children, the elderly, and those with asthma or bronchitis. Secondary standards set limits to protect public welfare, including protection against decreased visibility and damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings. Counties in the US are determined to be attainment or nonattainment counties based on these NAAQS. A list of nonattainment county designations for each criteria pollutant can be found at http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/greenbk/onstate.html (click on the pollutant of interest).

D. Modeling

Q What is dispersion modeling? Does MES provide dispersion modeling consulting?
A

Dispersion modeling is the mathematical simulation of how materials released to the atmosphere, from specific sources, are dispersed and diluted. The materials can either be gaseous, solid particles or liquid droplets. Modeling techniques are normally used to quantify concentrations of pollutants, at specific locations, over varying time intervals.

MES has been doing atmospheric dispersion modeling for over thirty years. This modeling has included both fossil fuel and nuclear power generating facilities as well as waste to energy and cogeneration plants. MES is familiar with state of the art computer models that are used for a variety of atmospheric dispersion applications. Please contact MES to discuss your specific dispersion modeling requirements.

E. About MES

Q When was MES founded? How long has MES been in business?
A MES was founded in 1968 as Smith-Singer Meteorologists and was originally located in Massapequa, New York. The Company moved to Amityville, NY, in 1972, and became MES in 1977.
Q

What people comprise MES and what are their skills?

Are you "licensed" meteorologists? Is there such a thing?

Where did your meteorologists get their degrees?

A MES's professional staff is mainly comprised of meteorologists, engineers and computer specialists. Senior consultants each have more than 30 years of experience, and all have master's degrees. Some also have the prestigious Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) certification from the American Meteorological Society. All of MES's meteorologists have degrees in meteorology/atmospheric science. As the only consulting corporation of it's kind on Long Island, MES has the privilege of hiring only the brightest in their respective fields. Our consultants all have degrees from respected universities, such as Cornell, Rutgers, SUNY at Stony Brook, and Penn State. MES will be happy to furnish a complete list of qualifications to any prospective client.
Q Where is Amityville, NY?
A MES is located in the quaint village of Amityville, on the south shore of Long Island, just east of the Nassau/Suffolk county line. Amityville is also home to the legendary Amityville Horror House.

F. Mapping

Q What is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map?
A

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map defines the average of the extreme annual minimum temperatures. The version published in 1990 includes all of North America (Canada, United States & Mexico), whereas the more recent updated version released in March 2003 covers just the United States. Each plant, shrub, tree, etc., can "overwinter" when a plant's hardiness zone range includes the zone indicate on the map for a specific location.

The 1990 version of the map can be viewed at http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html.

The Draft 2003 version of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map was published in the May/June 2003 issue of The American Gardener magazine.

Q How do I use American Horticultural Society (AHS) Plant Heat-Zone map?
A

The AHS Plant Heat-Zone Map is used in the same way that you do the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Start by finding the location of your town or city on the map. The larger versions of the map have county outlines that may help you do this.

The 12 zones of the map indicate the average number of days each year that a given region experiences "heat days" - temperatures over 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). That is the point at which plants begin suffering physiological damage from heat. The zones range from Zone 1 (less than one heat day on average per year) to Zone 12 (more than 210 heat days on average per year).

You will see the heat zone designations joining hardiness zone designations in garden centers, references books, and catalogs. On each plant, there will be four numbers. For example, a tulip may be 3-8, 8-1. If you live in USDA hardiness Zone 7 and AHS heat Zone 7, you will know that you can leave tulips outdoors in your garden year-round. However, if you happen to live in USDA hardiness Zone 2 and AHS heat Zone 7, you will know that you can not leave tulips outdoors in your garden year-round.

The AHS Plant Heat-Zone ratings assume that adequate water is supplied to the roots of the plant at all times. The accuracy of the zone coding can be substantially distorted by a lack of water, even for a brief period in the life of the plant.

Q Where can I view or purchase a copy of the AHS Plant Heat-Zone map?
A

To view the AHS Plant Heat Zone Map in a pdf format go to http://www.ahs.org/pdfs/heatmap.pdf

Durable full-color posters of the AHS Plant Heat Map are available for $9.95 each. To order visit the AHS website at https://www.ahs.org/books/logo_wear.htm or call (800) 777-7931, ext. 110.

Q I am thinking of planting palm trees at my house. Do you think they will survive?
A In order to determine which plants may survive at your location, you should first find your location on the Plant Hardiness Zone Map and AHS Plant Heat-Zone Map, to obtain the hardiness and heat zones for your location. Then find the recommended heat zone and hardiness zone for the specific plant. If the plant can be grown in your hardiness zone and heat zone, there is a good chance it will survive. Most plants obtained through commercial nurseries are tagged with both the hardiness and heat zones. Both zones are also presented in most catalogues.

G. Energy/Utilities

Q

What forms of cleaner energy are available, and is MES involved with researching any of these?

Can MES provide sunshine and wind studies for solar and wind power industries?

A

There are several sources of energy that are not produced from the combustion of fossil fuels. The most recognizable of these are solar energy and wind energy. Both of these renewable sources of energy are generally "non-polluting" and extremely dependent on weather conditions.

Sources of solar and wind energy require a suitable site. The normal meteorological conditions at a given location must be assessed to determine if a site could be considered a viable source of energy. Meteorological data for siting studies can either be based upon an analysis of existing, representative, meteorological data or on the collection of site-specific data or a combination of both. Onsite data involves collecting meteorological data from a proposed location. MES can provide both types of services. Please contact us for further information.

Q Does MES provide meteorology services for nuclear utilities?
A MES has been providing meteorological consulting services since the inception of nuclear electrical power generation back in the 1960s. MES has been involved in the licensing of nuclear power plants including preparation of the meteorological sections of both preliminary and final Safety Analysis Reports as well as Environmental Reports. MES currently provides meteorological consulting services to the operators of several commercial nuclear generating units. This consulting includes the processing of onsite meteorological data and the generation of all required reports.
Q Can MES provide dispersion modeling for a new power plant?
A

Yes, MES is able to provide dispersion modeling for any point source of emissions. MES has completed many dispersion analyses required in the licensing of both fossil fuel and nuclear power plants. These studies have involved large base-load electrical generating plants, smaller peaking units and many other industrial sources such as copper and aluminum plants.

In addition MES performs both routine and emergency plan dispersion modeling pursuant to the to the requirements of federal regulations for operating nuclear power plants. MES has been providing dispersion modeling support to the operators of nuclear power plants for more than thirty years.

H. Permitting

Q What types of industries has MES assisted in obtaining air permits?
A MES has air permitting experience with a variety of industrial sources, including: Asphalt production facilities, hospital/medical waste incinerators, electricity generation facilities, surface coating facilities, grey iron foundries, and many types of manufacturing facilities.
Q Your company does environmental work. Can you tell me what permits I need for my business? I want to construct a new source, how do I determine what level of permitting I should apply for?
A MES specializes in evaluating potential air emissions from industrial processes. MES can assist your company in obtaining the appropriate air permit for an existing operation, or a proposed new operation.
Q Do you have websites for state rules and federal rules that I can find online?
A
MES has compiled a list of links to each state’s environmental department. The federal environmental regulations are found in Title 40, and can be found at the following address: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/.

I. Weather Instrumentation and Data Collection

Q Do you do onsite meteorological data collection?
A Yes, MES can site, install, and operate meteorological monitoring equipment.
Q Can you site a meteorological data collection facility?
A Yes. There are many factors involved in siting a meteorological tower. The sensors must be free from the influences of trees and nearby structures, and the sensors must be sited at proper elevations. The "proper" elevation may be 10 meters if uniformity with National Weather Service installations is required, or at a specific elevation such as a stack height, for environmental applications. MES can review a particular site, along with the client needs meteorological monitoring, and make recommendations regarding both siting and instrumentation.
Q Where can I get meteorological instruments?
A

Meteorological instrumentation falls into two primary categories; instruments for home or hobbyist use, or instruments for professional applications. The level of sophistication is obviously quite different for these two applications.

A list of vendors of professional quality meteorological sensors is available from the American Meteorological Society. These vendors also typically advertise in professional journals.

Q Where can I get weather-related instruments for home use?
A Weather instruments for home use may be found at electronics supply stores, marine/boating supply stores and in specialty catalogues.

J. Rates and Fees

Q What are your rates?
A Please contact MES for rates and fees.

K. Sunrise/Sunset and Moonrise/Moonset

Q

When did the sun rise or set on a specific date?

When did the moon rise or set on a specific date?

What was the phase of the moon on a specific date?

My friend was in a car accident in Fairfield, Connecticut at 4:53 PM on Dec. 15, 1998, what were the natural lighting conditions at that time?

A MES can calculate the exact time of the sunrise, sunset as well as the time of moonrise and moonset at any location for any date. The exact times are a function of the location as well as the date.
Q Why should I use your service to calculate sunrise/sunset when I can get it on the web?
A Many standard sources of sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset are for particular locations, such as Central Park, in New York City. The times listed are only valid for that location. MES can calculate the precise time of these astronomical events for your specific location. In addition MES can also provide the times of the beginning and ending of civil twilight, as well as the location of the sun, if required. The civil twilight information as well as the position of the sun can be important in legal cases.

L. Students

Q I am doing a science project. How can I get weather information?
A

You can find a wealth of weather information at the following web sites, all developed and updated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

For general weather information, visit the National Weather Service: www.weather.gov (click on your location on the map to find local information).

For information designed for students and teachers: www.education.noaa.gov

For hurricane information, visit the National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov

For information on thunderstorms, tornadoes and severe storms, visit the Storm Prediction Center or the National Severe Storms Laboratory: www.spc.noaa.gov or www.nssl.noaa.gov

If you need additional information, MES would be happy to help. You may call us during regular business hours (9 AM - 5 PM, Eastern time), write us a letter or send an email.

Q What classes should I take in high school or college if I want to be a meteorologist? How do I become a meteorologist?
A

Most meteorologists have a bachelor's degree in meteorology/atmospheric science, many have a master's degree and some have a doctorate degree. Meteorology is closely based on the fundamental laws of physics, and it is critical that a meteorologist has an understanding of physics, math and the earth sciences. Don't be discouraged if you find these subjects difficult. They often become easier when used in the enjoyable context of meteorology. Also, classes in English and communications are very helpful for any career. Computing and programming has become increasingly important, as well, especially for meteorologists.

You can also learn about meteorology by becoming a National Weather Service Skywarn Spotter (http://www.skywarn.org/) or by attending meetings of the local chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) (www.ametsoc.org/amschaps/amschaps_mainpage.html and click on Local Chapter information at the bottom of the page) or National Weather Association (NWA) (http://www.nwas.org/chapters.html). You can also find a job or internship with a local meteorologist, or simply ask to "shadow" a meteorologist for a day.

Q Who can I talk to about becoming a meteorologist?
A If you are in High School, you can talk to your guidance counselor about becoming a meteorologist. Anyone can talk to a faculty or staff member in the Atmospheric Science or Meteorology Department of a college or university. You can also call or write a professional meteorologist. MES will be happy to answer any specific questions.
Q What are some of the local colleges in the area that have a meteorology major?
A A listing of colleges and universities with programs in atmospheric and related sciences can be found at www.ametsoc.org/AMS/curricula.
Q What kinds of careers are there in meteorology?
A

The following are traditional careers for meteorologists:

On-Air Meteorologist - This field includes cable television and radio broadcasting.

Meteorological Consultant - This can include forensic meteorology, weather derivatives, air quality, climate analysis, and weather research.

Meteorologist for the government - The federal government employs meteorologists in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Department of Energy, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the military. Local governments may also employ meteorologists in the fields of air quality, forecasting and emergency management.

Airline Meteorologist - Airlines require meteorologists for forecasting flight patterns. Also, meteorologists are often good pilots due to their understanding of atmospheric forces.

Teacher/Instructor/Professor - Many High School Earth Science, Physics and Math teachers have degrees in meteorology. There are also opportunities to teach at colleges and universities, particularly for those with advanced degrees.

Research Meteorologist - Aside from research for the government and in private industry, many meteorologists conduct research for a college or university as they continue their education, or research while being a professor.

M. General Meteorology

Q What causes thunderstorms?
A A brief overview of how thunderstorms are formed can be found at
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/abr/?n=spot_ref.php
Q What causes an eclipse and how often do they occur?
A A thorough source of information about the history, science, and observation of all types of eclipses is located at: http://www.earthview.com/tutorial/causes.htm.
Q What does weather have to do with meteors? What does meteorology mean?
A Despite the misleading name, meteorology has absolutely nothing to do with meteors. The study of meteors is associated with astronomy. Meteorology is the science that deals with the atmosphere and its phenomena and especially with weather and weather forecasting. Both words get their roots from the Greek word for atmosphere.
Q Where can I get free weather information? Where can I go for more information on tornadoes or hurricanes?
A A variety of free weather information, including national and regional forecasts, can be found at www.weather.gov.

N. Meetings and Events

Q What is MES's relationship with weather meetings and events that occur within the New York Metropolitan Area or throughout the rest of the country?
A

A full list of meetings can be found on the following website:

http://www.ametsoc.org/AMS/meet/ann/Calendarweb.pdf

Q Where can I find out about local American Meteorological Society (AMS) chapter events?
A Our MES staff is involved with many of the activities of the New York City/Long Island chapter, please check out our Long Island Chapter Upcoming Events link at http://www.nws.bnl.org/meetings.html for details on future events.
Q Who is speaking at the next New York Academy of Science Meeting and when is the meeting?
A A complete schedule and list of information regarding the New York Academy of Science meetings can be found at http://www.nyas.org/events/browse.asp?SubTypeID=3&caldate=&typeID=2
 

 

 
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