ESRL Global Monitoring Laboratory - Mauna Loa Observatory

Measurements at the Mauna Loa Observatory stopped after the 2022 eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano, when lava flow crossed the access road and took out power lines to the facility. The observatory remains inaccessible by vehicle and without power from the local utility company.

Observatory staff has established limited solar power in four observatory buildings and restored approximately 33 percent of the measurements onsite, including the Global Monitoring Laboratory and Scripps critical CO₂ records and other atmospheric measurements.

Media can contact: Theo Stein (303) 819-7409 (theo.stein@noaa.gov) or Karin Vergoth 303-632-6413‬ (karin.vergoth@noaa.gov)

Organization(s):

NWS logo National Weather Service Honolulu Forecast Office

What does this program measure?

The Max/Min Temperature Unit records 24 hour Maximum/Minimum temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit. The Standard Rain gauge records 24 hour rainfall in hundreds of an inch.

How does this program work?

The data is measured manually by MLO personnel and and relayed to the Honolulu Forecast office by telephone through the ROSA system.

A 20-cm rain gauge is recorded 5 times per week at MLO.
A 20-cm rain gauge is recorded 1 time per week at Kulani Mauka.
A rain gauge and tipping bucket are measured continuously at MLO.

Why is this research important?

The temperature and rainfall data are transmitted daily via telephone to the Honolulu Forecast office through a network called PRONET which is entered in the AWIPS computer bank to be used as a forecasting aid.