Crowdsourcing of weather observations at national meteorological and hydrological services in Europe

摘要: Abstract. National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) increase their efforts to deliver impact-based weather forecasts warnings. At the same time, a desired in cost-efficiency prompts these services to automatize their station networks reduce number of human observers, which leads lack “ground truth” information about weather phenomena impact. A possible alternative is encourage the general public submit observations, may include crucial information especially high-impact situations. We wish provide an overview state properties existing collaborations between NMHSs voluntary observers or storm spotters across Europe. For that purpose, we performed survey among 30 European NMHSs, from 22 NMHSs returned our questionnaire. This study summarizes most important findings evaluates use of “crowdsourced” information. 86 % surveyed utilize information provided by public, 50 % have established official collaborations with spotter groups, 18 % formalized them. The observations are commonly used for real-time improvement severe weather warnings, verification, establishment climatology of severe events. The importance volunteered impact observations has strongly risen over past decade. expect this trend will continue and storm spotters become essential part weather warning, like they been decades United States America. A rising incoming reports implies quality management will become increasing issue, finally discuss idea how handle challenge.