By Scout Nelson
Before South Dakota officially became a state, people already understood the value of recording weather patterns. The first weather station in Brookings began collecting data in 1888, marking the beginning of a long history of weather observation in the region.
Today, that early effort has grown into the Mesonet at SDSU, a network of high-tech weather stations across South Dakota.
These stations gather localized, real-time data on temperature, wind, precipitation, and soil conditions every five minutes—far more frequently than traditional airport weather systems.
According to Nathan Edwards, operations manager for Mesonet at SDSU, this system provides “high-definition weather data that directly supports accurate forecasts.”
The initiative gained momentum after major flooding in 2011 and 2019, when Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds pushed for improved monitoring systems to better predict extreme weather events.
The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2020 set a bold goal: to install a Mesonet station within 20 miles of every South Dakotan. With over 100 stations currently active and a target of 150 by 2027, the state is on track to achieve that vision.
Each station collects over a million data points daily, which are shared with the National Weather Service to improve forecasts and warnings. These data also support insurance claims, drought analysis, and wildfire monitoring.
Cameras at each site help confirm severe weather events like tornadoes and fog conditions, providing critical visual insights.
The Mesonet’s soil probes, installed in 2018, make it stand out nationally. They measure soil temperature and moisture to assess water storage capacity—vital for flood prediction and agricultural management.
Experts like KELOLAND Chief Meteorologist Jay Trobec rely heavily on Mesonet data to issue accurate warnings. From confirming tornadoes to tracking high winds, the system’s precision helps save lives.
As Edwards notes, “Every South Dakotan benefits from this work—whether they realize it or not.” The Mesonet ensures safer communities, better forecasts, and stronger preparedness for the challenges of tomorrow.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-tlillico
Categories: South Dakota, Weather