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Published in 24 February, 2021
Since the air quality website that uses scientific instrumentation at KAUST was launched last year, HSE has been busy implementing significant improvements to the program based on discussions with resident experts and community members. I would like to update you on the progress.
Two weather stations are located at KAUST to report air quality information. The AirPointer system was installed first in Thuwal Park located in the Island neighborhood, and over the summer of 2020, a new ThermoFisher unit was installed in Oasis neighborhood. These two scientific systems complement each other and are used to provide information to the community and act as a resource to our research community. These instruments collect much more information than just air quality, including temperature, wind speed, wind direction, solar irradiance, relative humidity, and rainfall. More information is available on the Weather Monitoring Equipment page.
While our primary focus has been air quality information, community members have expressed an interest in other weather information. To provide a single source for all weather data, we have now transitioned the air quality website to the new “KAUST Weather” site that includes information related to the air quality index as well as other common weather parameters. In addition to the website information, HSE has partnered with KAUST Smart – IT to put KAUST Weather on the soon to be launched KAUSTCentral app.
Since the launch of the KAUST air quality website last year, we have learned a lot about local air quality from the data collected and discussions with resident experts. Based on the feedback received and a stakeholder engagement process with various community members, we have updated the AQI from a 24-hour rolling average to a “nearcasting” model that shows average concentrations over a shorter period of time to be a closer reflection of current conditions. Data is analyzed and updated every 15 minutes on both the website and app. Like the 24-hour rolling average model used previously, the nearcasting model is also based on United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) modeling. More information is available in the “How KAUST AQI is calculated” section of KAUST Weather. Our planned next iteration is an AQI forecast in partnership with an AQI modeler.
HSE continues to work closely with resident experts to further understand the sources of local air quality conditions. In addition, HSE and Government Affairs will engage relevant government agencies when we identify local air pollution sources.
We invite community members to visit KAUST Weather on the web for complete weather information and use the KAUSTCentral app to view current weather information once released.
While many new features are now available, this system remains a work in progress, and we need your input to continue focusing our efforts. Please contact us at hse@kaust.edu.sa with any feedback.
Sincerely,
Erik Talley, Director
Health, Safety, & Environment
