A reader asked me to check into how accurate the KSN Weather Labs are, since a lab in Augusta recorded a temperature of 107 on Aug. 11 — well above the “official” temperature in Wichita for that day.
I checked with Dave Freeman, KSN’s chief meteorologist, and here’s what he told me:
“The instruments that schools have as part of the KSN WeatherLab Network, powered by WeatherBug, are absolutely top notch, accurate and reliable instruments.
That said, sometimes variables like instrument placement can cause measurements to be different than surrounding areas. And, of course, there are occasional times when a sensor goes bad and needs to be replaced.
We work hard to support all of our KSN WeatherLab Network school partners in properly placing their instruments, and in maintaining them.”
I guess the bottom line is, take the WeatherLab readings for what they are: reflections of conditions at a particular location for that moment in time. If the thermometer provides readings that are consistently higher or lower than surrounding areas, keep that in mind when hearing the latest reports.