Window Rock, Arizona, experiences a unique climate due to its high desert location. This guide provides a detailed overview of Window Rock Weather, based on historical weather data from 1980 to 2016. Understanding the typical weather patterns can help you plan your visit and pack accordingly.
Understanding Window Rock’s Climate Data
To accurately assess Window Rock weather, data is gathered from multiple sources and meticulously analyzed. Two nearby weather stations, located at Window Rock Airport and Four Corners Regional Airport, provide crucial temperature and dew point information.
Map of data sources for Window Rock weather
This data is adjusted for elevation differences using the International Standard Atmosphere model and further refined using the MERRA-2 satellite-era reanalysis for variations between locations. A weighted average, based on distance from Window Rock, is then calculated to provide the most accurate estimation. For a more in-depth comparison of these data sources, you can explore a detailed analysis comparing Window Rock’s weather with these contributing stations.
Sources of Window Rock Weather Information
Various sources contribute to a comprehensive understanding of Window Rock weather:
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Temperature and Dew Point: Primarily derived from two nearby weather stations, adjusted for elevation and regional variations using the International Standard Atmosphere and MERRA-2 reanalysis models.
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Sunrise and Sunset: Calculated using astronomical formulas detailed in Jean Meeus’ book, Astronomical Algorithms 2nd Edition. This ensures precise predictions of solar position throughout the year.
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Other Weather Data: Comprehensive data including cloud cover, precipitation, wind speed and direction, and solar flux is sourced from NASA’s MERRA-2 Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis. This global meteorological model reconstructs hourly weather history worldwide.
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Land Use Data: Obtained from the Global Land Cover SHARE database, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
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Elevation Data: Provided by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), published by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This data ensures accurate elevation adjustments for temperature readings.
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Geographical Data: Names, locations, and time zones are sourced from the GeoNames Geographical Database, with airport and weather station time zone information provided by AskGeo.com. Map data is sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Important Considerations Regarding Window Rock Weather Data
The information presented here is intended for general informational purposes and should not be considered absolutely accurate. Weather data is inherently subject to errors and variations.
Specifically, the reliance on MERRA-2 model-based reconstructions, while offering comprehensive temporal and spatial coverage, introduces potential model-based errors. Its coarse 50 km grid sampling may not capture microclimate variations. Coastal and island areas present particular challenges for this model.
Furthermore, any derived metrics, such as travel scores, are dependent on the underlying data quality and individual preferences may vary. Always consult official weather forecasts for real-time updates and exercise caution when making decisions based on historical weather data. For full details, please refer to the Terms of Service.
