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Building Climate Resilience for Food System with Local Weather Networks

Extension Education

Matthew Burns
Associate Director
CLEMSON EXTENSION SERVICE
Clemson

Abstract

The Clemson Extension Weather Network initiative aims to address critical weather information needs in South Carolina using WeatherFlow technology. The project focuses on filling gaps in local and rural weather data, creating a comprehensive historical database, and providing on-farm weather information to enhance climate resiliency.  The network has successfully installed weather stations in all 46 counties of South Carolina, with some counties having multiple stations. A total of 65 stations have been installed, with 82% (54 stations) located near food production areas. The website interface provides real-time weather data and custom point forecasts based on hyperlocal weather data modeling, serving producers, researchers, and industry partners. The initiative aims to improve South Carolina's ability to respond to climate challenges by monitoring and addressing natural disasters, droughts, floods, frost and freeze events, and sea level rise. The collected data will be used for historical comparisons, forecast modeling, and implementing weather alerts via text and email. Key features of the Clemson Extension Weather Network include real-time lightning alerts, custom point forecasts by location, real-time rainfall start/volume, and temperature monitoring. The project emphasizes the development of decision-making tools to help farmers and researchers effectively utilize the gathered weather information. Future plans include building calculators and alerts to assist growers in making management decisions based on hyperlocal, real-time, and projected weather data. This approach will contribute to building resilience in the food system by providing accurate, localized weather information for agricultural decision-making. Public and private partnerships are integral in locating and processing weather data, as well as the development of decision tools to build climate resilience. By implementing this comprehensive weather network, Clemson Extension aims to significantly improve South Carolina's ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to climate-related challenges in the agricultural sector.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Matthew Burns, Christopher Thomas, Zack Snipes, Blake Lanford, Matt Smith
  1. Burns, M. Associate Director , Clemson University , South Carolina, 29634
  2. Thomas, C. State Weather Station Technician, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29229
  3. Snipes, Z. Assistant Program Team Leader - Horticulture, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29401
  4. Lanford, B. Associate Director of Finance, Clemson University , South Carolina, 29634
  5. Smith, M. Director of Clemson University's Pee Dee Research & Education Center (retired), Clemson University, South Carolina, 29506