The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maintains the most comprehensive historical weather database in the United States, with Texas-specific records extending back over 25 years. For facility risk assessment, this data provides the foundation for understanding location-specific weather patterns and extreme event frequency.
Understanding NOAA Data Sources
NOAA's weather data comes from multiple sources across Texas:
- Cooperative Observer Network: Over 200 stations across Texas providing daily temperature and precipitation data
- Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS): Real-time weather data from major airports and urban centers
- Climate Reference Network: High-precision instruments providing climate-quality data
- Storm Events Database: Comprehensive records of severe weather events, damage, and impacts
Key Metrics for Facility Assessment
When evaluating weather risk for Texas facilities, several NOAA data points are critical:
Temperature Extremes
- Historical maximum and minimum temperatures
- Duration of extreme temperature events
- Frequency of freeze events (32°F threshold)
- Heat index calculations for worker safety planning
Precipitation Patterns
- Annual and seasonal precipitation totals
- Maximum 24-hour precipitation records
- Drought duration and intensity (Palmer Drought Severity Index)
- Flood event frequency and magnitude
Wind and Storm Data
- Maximum sustained wind speeds by location
- Tornado occurrence and intensity ratings
- Hail size and frequency records
- Hurricane and tropical storm impact history
Regional Data Interpretation
Texas's diverse geography requires region-specific data analysis:
Gulf Coast Region
NOAA data shows the Gulf Coast experiences the highest hurricane frequency, with major storms occurring approximately every 3-4 years. Precipitation records indicate extreme rainfall events (10+ inches in 24 hours) occur roughly every 2-3 years in the Houston-Galveston area.
North Texas
Historical data reveals this region experiences the highest tornado frequency in the state, with an average of 3-5 significant tornadoes per year. Temperature records show greater seasonal variation, with both extreme heat (105°F+) and cold (sub-20°F) events.
Central Texas
NOAA records indicate this region experiences the most variable precipitation patterns, with both severe drought periods and flash flood events. The area shows increasing frequency of extreme heat events over the past decade.
Data Quality and Limitations
When using NOAA data for facility risk assessment, consider these factors:
- Station Density: Rural areas may have limited nearby weather stations
- Microclimate Variations: Local geography can create conditions different from regional averages
- Data Completeness: Some historical records may have gaps or quality issues
- Climate Change Trends: Historical patterns may not fully represent future conditions
Practical Application
For facility-specific risk assessment, NOAA data should be analyzed in conjunction with:
- FEMA flood zone mapping
- National Hurricane Center storm surge models
- Local geographic and topographic factors
- Facility-specific operational parameters and vulnerabilities
This comprehensive approach ensures that weather risk assessments are based on robust, verifiable data while accounting for the unique conditions that affect each facility's exposure to extreme weather events.