MES can provide specialized weather forecasts and consulting services for government agencies and private business. General forecasts of the weather for the public can be obtained from the National Weather Service home page.

MES can also provide air pollutant sampling, equipment installations and other activities that depend on accurate forecasts of specific weather parameters.

MES can obtain certified and non-certified copies of past weather records and forecasts in addition to special weather statements, warnings, watches & advisories, as well as, tidal information.

MES can calculate the times of sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset, as well as, the location of the sun and moon, phase of the moon and beginning and ending of civil twilight. These computations can be notarized, if desired. No government agency certifies such astronomical records.

E-mail us, fax or call us between 8:00AM and 5:00PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday and a meteorologist will be happy to assist you.

What are some of the most deadly weather events that have occurred?

What is the strongest hurricane ever to hit Long Island?

What federal agencies record statistics on hurricanes and tornadoes?

You can find storm information at the following websites, all developed and updated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms.

Information on tornadoes can be found at www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado.

Where can I find the historical extremes of various weather parameters for the town, county or state in which I live?

Where can I find the historical extremes of various weather parameters for U.S. or any country in the world?

The following website has also been developed and updated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

Extreme weather parameters can be found at

The weather directly affects the distribution of air pollutants. Wind speed and direction, along with atmospheric stability, determine the path of pollutants. Thus, MES uses meteorology to determine pollutant concentrations in a given area with respect to the source(s) of pollutants.

In addition, sunshine, or solar radiation, plays an important part in chemical reactions, such as those that produce ozone.

Precipitation often cleanses the atmosphere. Pollutants in the cloud are rained to the ground, and pollutants below the cloud are washed out by precipitation.

Dispersion modeling is the mathematical simulation of how materials released to the atmosphere, from specific sources, are dispersed and diluted. The materials can either be gaseous, solid particles or liquid droplets. Modeling techniques are normally used to quantify concentrations of pollutants, at specific locations, over varying time intervals.

MES has been doing atmospheric dispersion modeling for over thirty years. This modeling has included both fossil fuel and nuclear power generating facilities as well as waste to energy and cogeneration plants. MES is familiar with state of the art computer models that are used for a variety of atmospheric dispersion applications. Please contact MES to discuss your specific dispersion modeling requirements.

What people comprise MES and what are their skills?

Are you "licensed" meteorologists? Is there such a thing?

Where did your meteorologists get their degrees?

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map defines the average of the extreme annual minimum temperatures. The version published in 1990 includes all of North America (Canada, United States & Mexico), whereas the more recent updated version released in March 2003 covers just the United States. Each plant, shrub, tree, etc., can "overwinter" when a plant's hardiness zone range includes the zone indicate on the map for a specific location.

The AHS Plant Heat-Zone Map is used in the same way that you do the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Start by finding the location of your town or city on the map. The larger versions of the map have county outlines that may help you do this.

The 12 zones of the map indicate the average number of days each year that a given region experiences "heat days" - temperatures over 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). That is the point at which plants begin suffering physiological damage from heat. The zones range from Zone 1 (less than one heat day on average per year) to Zone 12 (more than 210 heat days on average per year).

You will see the heat zone designations joining hardiness zone designations in garden centers, references books, and catalogs. On each plant, there will be four numbers. For example, a tulip may be 3-8, 8-1. If you live in USDA hardiness Zone 7 and AHS heat Zone 7, you will know that you can leave tulips outdoors in your garden year-round. However, if you happen to live in USDA hardiness Zone 2 and AHS heat Zone 7, you will know that you can not leave tulips outdoors in your garden year-round.

The AHS Plant Heat-Zone ratings assume that adequate water is supplied to the roots of the plant at all times. The accuracy of the zone coding can be substantially distorted by a lack of water, even for a brief period in the life of the plant.

What forms of cleaner energy are available, and is MES involved with researching any of these?

Can MES provide sunshine and wind studies for solar and wind power industries?

There are several sources of energy that are not produced from the combustion of fossil fuels. The most recognizable of these are solar energy and wind energy. Both of these renewable sources of energy are generally "non-polluting" and extremely dependent on weather conditions.

Sources of solar and wind energy require a suitable site. The normal meteorological conditions at a given location must be assessed to determine if a site could be considered a viable source of energy. Meteorological data for siting studies can either be based upon an analysis of existing, representative, meteorological data or on the collection of site-specific data or a combination of both. Onsite data involves collecting meteorological data from a proposed location. MES can provide both types of services. Please contact us for further information.

Yes, MES is able to provide dispersion modeling for any point source of emissions. MES has completed many dispersion analyses required in the licensing of both fossil fuel and nuclear power plants. These studies have involved large base-load electrical generating plants, smaller peaking units and many other industrial sources such as copper and aluminum plants.

In addition MES performs both routine and emergency plan dispersion modeling pursuant to the to the requirements of federal regulations for operating nuclear power plants. MES has been providing dispersion modeling support to the operators of nuclear power plants for more than thirty years.

Meteorological instrumentation falls into two primary categories; instruments for home or hobbyist use, or instruments for professional applications. The level of sophistication is obviously quite different for these two applications.

A list of vendors of professional quality meteorological sensors is available from the American Meteorological Society. These vendors also typically advertise in professional journals.

When did the sun rise or set on a specific date?

When did the moon rise or set on a specific date?

What was the phase of the moon on a specific date?

My friend was in a car accident in Fairfield, Connecticut at 4:53 PM on Dec. 15, 1998, what were the natural lighting conditions at that time?

You can find a wealth of weather information at the following web sites, all developed and updated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

If you need additional information, MES would be happy to help. You may call us during regular business hours (9 AM - 5 PM, Eastern time), write us a letter or send an email.

Most meteorologists have a bachelor's degree in meteorology/atmospheric science, many have a master's degree and some have a doctorate degree. Meteorology is closely based on the fundamental laws of physics, and it is critical that a meteorologist has an understanding of physics, math and the earth sciences. Don't be discouraged if you find these subjects difficult. They often become easier when used in the enjoyable context of meteorology. Also, classes in English and communications are very helpful for any career. Computing and programming has become increasingly important, as well, especially for meteorologists.

The following are traditional careers for meteorologists:

On-Air Meteorologist - This field includes cable television and radio broadcasting.

Meteorological Consultant - This can include forensic meteorology, weather derivatives, air quality, climate analysis, and weather research.

Meteorologist for the government - The federal government employs meteorologists in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Department of Energy, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the military. Local governments may also employ meteorologists in the fields of air quality, forecasting and emergency management.

Airline Meteorologist - Airlines require meteorologists for forecasting flight patterns. Also, meteorologists are often good pilots due to their understanding of atmospheric forces.

Teacher/Instructor/Professor - Many High School Earth Science, Physics and Math teachers have degrees in meteorology. There are also opportunities to teach at colleges and universities, particularly for those with advanced degrees.

Research Meteorologist - Aside from research for the government and in private industry, many meteorologists conduct research for a college or university as they continue their education, or research while being a professor.