Understanding the typical weather conditions in Carlsbad, New Mexico is crucial for planning any visit or activity. This report details how weather data for Carlsbad is compiled, based on a robust statistical analysis of historical hourly weather reports and model reconstructions dating back from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 2016. This long-term analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the Carlsbad climate.
Temperature and Dew Point Data
The temperature and dew point estimations for Carlsbad are derived from a network of weather stations located in close proximity. Data from three stations are considered to ensure accuracy and reliability.
To account for geographical variations, the data from each contributing weather station is meticulously corrected for elevation differences relative to Carlsbad. This correction is performed using the International Standard Atmosphere model. Furthermore, adjustments are made based on the relative changes observed in the MERRA-2 satellite-era reanalysis data between each station’s location and Carlsbad. This dual-correction method ensures a more precise temperature and dew point estimation for Carlsbad.
The final estimated weather value for Carlsbad is not simply an average. It’s calculated as a weighted average of the contributions from each individual weather station. This weighting is inversely proportional to the distance between Carlsbad and each station. This means closer stations have a greater influence on Carlsbad’s estimated weather data, reflecting the higher relevance of geographically proximate data.
The weather stations contributing to this Carlsbad weather analysis are:
Weather stations near Carlsbad, New Mexico, including Cavern City Air Terminal (KCNM), Artesia Municipal Airport (KATS), and Hobbs Airport (KHOB), are mapped as sources for Carlsbad New Mexico weather data.
- Cavern City Air Terminal (KCNM): Located approximately 6 miles from Carlsbad at an elevation of 131 feet. Detailed weather information for KCNM
- Artesia Municipal Airport (KATS): Situated about 33 miles from Carlsbad, at an elevation of 440 feet. Explore weather data for KATS
- Hobbs Airport (KHOB): Roughly 62 miles from Carlsbad and at an elevation of 554 feet. View weather details for KHOB
Attribution for map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors.
For those interested in a deeper dive, a comparative analysis is available, contrasting Carlsbad weather with the data from these contributing stations. Keep in mind that all station data is adjusted for elevation and the relative changes found within the MERRA-2 dataset.
Sources for Other Weather Data
Beyond temperature and dew point, a wide array of Carlsbad New Mexico Weather data is analyzed. The position of the sun, including sunrise and sunset times, are calculated using established astronomical formulas from the book “Astronomical Algorithms 2nd Edition” by Jean Meeus, a respected reference in the field.
For comprehensive weather elements such as cloud cover, precipitation levels, wind speed and direction, and solar flux, the analysis utilizes NASA’s MERRA-2 Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis. This sophisticated reanalysis tool integrates numerous wide-area measurements into a cutting-edge global meteorological model. This allows for the reconstruction of hourly weather history across the globe on a detailed 50-kilometer grid, providing a rich dataset for Carlsbad New Mexico weather patterns.
Additional datasets contribute to a holistic understanding of the environment:
- Land Use Data: Sourced from the Global Land Cover SHARE database, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Global Land Cover SHARE database
- Elevation Data: Obtained from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory project. Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)
- Place Names, Locations, and Time Zones: Information is drawn from the GeoNames Geographical Database. GeoNames Geographical Database
- Time Zones for Airports and Weather Stations: Provided by AskGeo.com. AskGeo.com
Map data is © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Important Disclaimer Regarding Data Accuracy
It’s essential to understand the limitations of weather data. The information provided is “as is,” without guarantees of accuracy or suitability for specific purposes. Weather data, by its nature, is susceptible to errors, outages, and other inaccuracies. Therefore, decisions based on information presented should be made with caution.
Specifically, it’s important to be aware of the reliance on MERRA-2 model-based reconstructions for significant data series. While MERRA-2 offers temporal and spatial completeness, it has inherent limitations:
- Model-Based Errors: Computer models can have inaccuracies.
- Coarse Spatial Resolution: The 50 km grid may not capture local microclimate variations.
- Coastal Area Challenges: Models can struggle with weather patterns in coastal regions and small islands.
Furthermore, travel scores derived from this data are only as reliable as the underlying weather data itself. Weather conditions are inherently unpredictable and variable, and travel score definitions reflect specific preferences that may not align with every individual’s priorities.
For complete terms and conditions, please refer to the Terms of Service page. This information aims to provide a clear understanding of how Carlsbad New Mexico weather data is collected and analyzed, while highlighting the importance of considering potential data limitations.
