Here’s what Gemini has to say about this:
The observations are indeed distinct because KK51 and KP28 actually represent
two completely separate, co-located weather stations operating at the Medicine
Lodge Airport. [1<https://weathercams.faa.gov/stations>]
Even though they share the same airfield, they are managed under different
programs, utilize different hardware, and broadcast independently.
[1<https://weathercams.faa.gov/stations>]
Here is exactly why those METAR strings look so different:
1. Federal ASOS vs. Non-Federal AWOS
* KP28 is a Federal ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System). It is
managed federally and generates standard hourly routine observations (typically
at 56 minutes past the hour, as seen in your 040956Z, 041056Z, etc. stamps).
[1<https://weathercams.faa.gov/stations>]
* KK51 is a Non-Federal AWOS-3P (Automated Weather Observing System). It is
a state- or locally-owned station that broadcasts updates much more
frequently—roughly every 20 minutes (stamped at :15, :35, and :55 past the
hour). [1<https://weathercams.faa.gov/stations>]
2. Different Sensor Capabilities (AO1 vs. AO2)
If you look closely at the remarks (RMK) at the end of each log, you will find
the smoking gun for why the data varies:
* KP28 reports AO1: This means the federal station does not have a
precipitation discriminator sensor. It cannot automatically tell the difference
between rain and snow. It also includes extra federal data fields like Sea
Level Pressure (SLP102) and hourly precise temperature decimals (T02500211).
* KK51 reports AO2: The local AWOS system does feature a precipitation
discriminator sensor. Because the hardware setups are different and sit at
slightly different physical spots on the field, their calibrated sensors will
register tiny micro-climate differences in wind gusts, dew point calculations,
and altimeter settings (A2991 vs A2990).
Best regards,
Kevin
_________________________________________________
Kevin Tyle, M.S.; Manager of Departmental Computing
NSF ACCESS Campus Champion
Dept. of Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences
UAlbany ETEC Bldg - Harriman Campus
1220 Washington Ave, Room 419
Albany, NY 12226
ktyle@xxxxxxxxxx<mailto:ktyle@xxxxxxxxxx> | 518-442-4578 | @nywxguy | he/him/his
_________________________________________________
From: data-curation <data-curation-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of
Stephen Adams
Sent: Friday, September 4, 2026 1:34 PM
To: Boris A. Konon <trwplusa@xxxxxxxxx>
Cc: data-curation <data-curation@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [data-curation] New Wx Reporting Sites
Boris,
A question on KK51 Medicine Lodge. I'm showing an ICAO for that airport as
KP28. Still getting metars for KP28. Also getting metars for KK51, but they're
different than KP28. Can you explain?
Steve Adams | AWIS Weather Services
888.798.9955 | sadams@xxxxxxxx<mailto:sadams@xxxxxxxx> |
www.awis.com<http://www.awis.com/>
On Fri, Sep 4, 2026 at 7:06 AM Boris A. Konon
<trwplusa@xxxxxxxxx<mailto:trwplusa@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
METAR:
K4MD - Baltimore/Pier 7 US MD
https://www.airnav.com/airport/4MD
KCHT - Chillicothe US MO
https://www.airnav.com/airport/KCHT
KK51 - Medicine Lodge US KS
https://www.airnav.com/airport/K51
KM46 - Colstrip US MT
https://www.airnav.com/airport/M46
PACE - Central US AK
https://www.airnav.com/airport/PACE
PACI - Chalkyitsik US AK
https://www.airnav.com/airport/PACI
METAR Site ID Change:
K2V5 to KRYA - Wray US CO
SYNOP:
35129 - Kandyagash KZ
https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/#/search/station/stationReportDetails/0-398-0-35129
42364 - Etawah IN
https://www.ogimet.com/display_synops2.php?lang=en&lugar=42364
42878 - unknown IN
63726 - Kabale UG
https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/#/search/station/stationReportDetails/0-20000-0-63726
63735 - Ukerewe TZ
https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/#/search/station/stationReportDetails/0-834-20000-63735
83004 - San Paulo/IAG BR (previously unknown)
https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/#/search/station/stationReportDetails/0-76-0-3550308000W83004
85312 - Monteagudo BO (previously unknown)
https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/#/search/station/stationReportDetails/0-20000-0-85312
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