Has Santa Ana been reporting wrong temperatures for years?

OC Register ^ | 9/12/08 | Gary Robbins

[HarryCaul]

... I heard from Watts in early August, after I wrote that the average daily temperature in Santa Ana had increased by about 7.5 degrees in less than a century. Scientists attributed most of the rise to urbanization. But a JPL climatologist also said 40 percent of the increase of the change was due to climate change — a figure he reduced to 25 percent when readers questioned his methodology.

That set off some testy commentary by readers of this blog. Watts was more circumspect; he simply asked whether the government’s weather station at the Santa Ana Fire Station was located and operated properly.

...

[HarryCaul]

Hmmm.

[onedoug]

"Science!"

[al baby]

If i recall its reporting sensors are on a pole about ten feet from the ac comperssor unit

[Myrddin]

A fair number of the stations reporting warmer than expected temperatures are improperly installed new air conditioner compressors, burn barrels and over black asphalt parking lots. The correct position for the typical "pagoda" style sensor is on a post 5 feet above ground level. Preferably in an open, grassy area that doesn't absorb lots of sun and heat the air. "Pagoda" enclosures are mounted where a fairly consistent air flow can be expected.

[Myrddin]

are improperly installed new near air conditioner compressors

[IYAS9YAS]

Yes, sensor position is quite important. I know of one near where I live that is way too close to pavement and block walls.

[Myrddin]

I have 433 MHz wireless temp/humidity/wind speed/wind direction sensors around various spots on my property. It's a challenge to find spots that never get direct sun. The "pagoda" temperature sensor gives me the best results. It is mounted on a fence, 5 feet above ground level. The anemometer placement is a real pain. My house presents a wide, 30 foot tall obstruction to air flow. Lots of fences and trees as well. I would love to put that sensor on the roof, but I simply can't get up there without a cherry picker.

[steelyourfaith]

 

Beam me to Planet Gore !