How often are weather balloons released to measure the atmosphere?
Weather balloons are released twice a day, at 00:00 and 12:00 UTC, from a network of nearly 900 stations worldwide. The majority of these stations are located in the Northern Hemisphere, with 69 stations located in the USA’s lower 48 states. These balloons give forecasters a vertical snapshot of the atmosphere. Using a six-foot-wide hydrogen or helium-filled balloon to carry an instrument package, measurements of temperature, pressure and relative humidity are transmitted by radio waves back to Earth. According to the National Weather Service, a balloon flight can last more than two hours, with the balloon achieving altitudes up to 115,000 feet and traveling more than 125 miles from its release point. After the balloon bursts, a parachute slows the descent of the instrument package, minimizing danger to lives and property. Should you find an instrument package, also known as a radiosonde, follow the mailing instructions that will return it to the NWS for reconditioning. The NWS estimat
