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Magellan MX™ with Gill sensor technology, mounted on a mobile command vehicle
Image courtesy of Accelerated Tactical.
Weather data you can trust. Columbia Weather Systems and Gill Instruments have built a partnership around this simple idea with our Magellan MX™ line of weather stations.
With GPS- and compass-equipped weather stations utilizing the sensor suite from Gill, the Magellan MX auto-aligns wind measurements the moment it's deployed, no manual calibration required. That speed matters most in mobile and portable applications, where public safety is often on the line.
Gill's Business Development Manager, Paul Berberian, put it this way: “One of the things I've always admired about Columbia Weather Systems is that they begin every conversation with the customer's application. They take the time to understand the operational challenge before selecting the right technology to solve it.”
Great to see this partnership highlighted by the team at Gill.
Dalida's first day
Join us in welcoming our new Marketing Specialist Dalida Farhat! Dalida is a recent graduate from the University of Oregon, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Her favorite memory at the UO was her consulting internship in Italy! Outside of work, she makes ceramics and is a self-taught snowboarder.
MicroServer Update with Road Temp
Customer Requests Drive Latest Weather MicroServer Upgrades: New Firmware Version Adds Sensor Features and Backend Updates
We are excited to announce the new features of the latest Weather MicroServer version.
Road temperature. Developed in response to customer request, this optional Road Conditions sensor will be particularly useful for Mobile Command, Broadcast Weather vehicles, winter maintenance and transportation operations.
AQI is calculated for PM2.5 measurements with the Particle Concentration optional sensor. This parameter is used for monitoring air pollution and wildfire smoke.
Remote access is now available through a free third-party secure platform. Again, developed specifically for a customer monitoring off-site, this feature aids in configuration and trouble-shooting long-distance.
In addition to some cosmetic enhancements, behind-the-scenes upgrades enhance DHCP to reduce network configuration, and update PHP and nginx versions.
We pride ourselves in personal customer support and responsiveness. Reach out to our technical support team to upgrade your Weather MicroServer to the latest version.
(Images generated with the assistance of AI)
Orion Weather Station at a Bloomington-Normal WRD treatment Facility
Weather data is trended and monitored on the District's SCADA system in real time
Photos courtesy of Bloomington-Normal WRD
Need weather data integrated into your SCADA system?
A recent inquiry: “I'm interested in connecting basic weather data back to our SCADA system. The Orion 420 looks like it has everything we need, but please send a quote for the Capricorn FLX as well.”
And another: “Would like to discuss installing a Columbia Weather system and how it can integrate with our control systems.”
*These are precisely the kind of industrial weather station systems we design for.
*For direct interface to PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems, Columbia Weather Systems builds professional weather stations with 4-20 mA output, incorporating a variety of sensor options across our Orion™, MagellanMX™, Pulsar™, and Capricorn FLX™ product lines.
We also offer digital automation interfaces including Modbus, DNP3, BACnet, and SNMP.
*Integrated and Automated: Put the weather monitoring system to work!*
The Bloomington-Normal (IL) Water Reclamation District purchased five CWS Orion™ Weather Stations to monitor on-site meteorological conditions at the district’s two water treatment sites.
“We wanted to have weather data trended and monitored on the District’s SCADA system to assist with data analysis and anticipating the impact a rain event would have on flows with real time data,” explains Jake Callahan, Director of Operations.
The automated interface now feeds directly into their data management software — data the District uses for regulatory reporting on storm duration, intensity, and total precipitation.
As Callahan put it, "Having the weather data fully integrated and trended on the District’s SCADA system has greatly simplified the reporting requirement aspect of managing weather data.”
Our job is to make Weather Monitoring easy, so you can do your job better.
A Magellan MX600 Weather Station was part of a comprehensive technology refresh for Jacksonville Fire and Rescue.
Inside the truck a weather display shows real-time data from the weather station.
Photos courtesy of Accelerated Tactical
Are rising apparatus costs and long lead times dampening hopes of a new rig? Modernizing mission-critical systems and improved situational awareness can be accomplished with a technology upgrade that includes on-board weather data.
For agencies operating command vehicles, search and rescue units, and specialized response apparatus, refurbishment is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative. A recent Fire Apparatus article highlights pros and cons. Refurbishment can boast:
- – significant cost savings (40-60% cost of new rig)
- – faster turnaround (3-9 months compared to one to two years)
- – crew familiarity with vehicle layouts and operations
- – sustainability and resource efficiency (cost-conscious and environmentally friendly)
Regardless of whether refurb is right for your agency, be sure to include a weather station in your apparatus specs, as did this “refresh” from Jacksonville, Florida.
Accelerated Tactical handled the process, giving the 17-year-old truck new life with repaired cabinetry and the latest technology including Starlink and a Magellan MX™ Weather Station from CWS. Shared between Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and Florida Task Force 5, the vehicle was commonly used on hurricane deployments and large scale incidents.
Weather conditions can influence emergency operations including crew safety, search and rescue tactics, fire behavior, hazmat, and even drone deployment. On-site weather data directly benefits command decisions regarding safety thresholds, tactical effectiveness, and public protective actions.
With this refresh, Jacksonville has a fully renewed, highly relevant, key asset as part of their response team at a fraction of the cost of a new vehicle.
Nader, Debbie, and Bethany
Last week, we celebrated Bethany as she embarks on an exciting new chapter in her career. Bethany has been a valued member of our team for nine years. Her contributions and positive spirit will be greatly missed. While we're sad to see her go, we're excited for all that's ahead and know she'll do amazing things in her new role. Three cheers for Bethany—hip, hip, hooray!
Mobile command centers are deployed during the FIFA World Cup.
An interior photo of a Counter-UAS mobile fusion centers shows a weather display for easy monitoring.
Photos courtesy of Accelerated Tactical
Great to see Magellan MX600 weather stations integrated into Counter-UAS mobile fusion centers deployed at the FIFA World Cup 2026. As always, top-notch work by our friends at Accelerated Tactical!
An excerpt from an AT post:
“The delivered platforms feature a comprehensive, intelligence-driven, multi-layered sensor architecture that integrates best-in-class solutions from leading C-UAS manufacturers.
“These ACCELERATED TACTICAL platforms represent some of the finest examples of American design, engineering, and systems integration available in the mobile Counter-UAS domain today; delivering unmatched capability, reliability, and operational flexibility to meet the most demanding mission requirements.
“These new platforms will make their debut alongside fleets of AMT platforms at the FIFA World Cup™ Games in Foxboro MA!”
Weather stations for mobile command
A mobile command center built by LDV for Murrieta Police (CA) includes a Magellan MX500™ Weather Station
A Weather Display console is mounted on an interior mobile command center wall
Photos courtesy of LDV
Improved Situational awareness
Informed Decision-making
- Resource deployment
- Staging locations
- Public safety notifications
- Event logistics
Incident Reporting
Common parameters monitored in real-time include wind speed and direction, air pressure, temperature, and relative humidity.
A Capricorn FLX Weather Station with high-performance wind sensor being tested before shipping.
The Fairhope Docks Marina was certified as a Mississippi-Alabama Clean and Resilient Marina, celebrating with a flag ceremony in January 2026.
An Orion weather station was a key component in the City of Fairhope, Alabama's plan to upgrade equipment and improve environmental efforts at their marina.
“On-site weather data plays a vital role in our marina operations,” Marina Manager Mark Redditt shared with us. “Weather conditions at the docks can vary significantly from those in surrounding areas, making accurate, real-time, location-specific data essential for informed decision-making related to safety, staffing, and day-to-day operations.”
(L-R) Greg, Nader, Debbie, and Paul
Nader and Debbie hosted a visit from Greg and Paul of Gill Instruments last week. We enjoy collaborating in person and learning about upcoming product advancements that will benefit our customers.
Gill sensors are integrated into our Magellan MX line, especially mobile and portable weather stations because of their GPS feature.
Tidelands Health uses real-time data from Orion Weather Stations when to shelter-in-place during storms.
A Capricorn FLX Weather Station at Kingston Freeport Terminal gives crews the ability to track on-site weather, including remote monitoring when hurricanes pass through.
A Magellan MX600 Weather Station was part of a comprehensive technology refresh for Jacksonville Fire and Rescue.
It is Hurricane Preparedness Week! Access to accurate, hyper-local weather data from an on-site professional weather station can impact safety, response, and decision-making when it matters most.
Here are a few examples of how our customers are putting data to work before, during, and after major storms:
Tidelands Health, South Carolina
“Having the best up-to-date information on when to shelter in place from hurricanes” was the goal for Tidelands Health when purchasing Orion Weather Stations for several hospitals. Initially put to the test with Hurricane Isaias, Director of Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness Patrick Devlin commented, “We were able to monitor the storm through the cloud server . . . the weather stations were pulled up in the county emergency operations center and 911 center. It has been a great tool for us”.
Kingston Freeport Terminal, Ltd., Jamaica
As Category 5 Hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica, Kingston Freeport Terminal Ltd. monitored on-site conditions from their Capricorn FLX™ Weather Station remotely through the CWS Weather Monitor app. Environmental Manager Christopher Gayle shared, “We escaped the hurricane-force winds, but the data gathered is still useful to inform and validate our preparedness actions.”
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue, Florida
A Magellan MX600 Weather Station was part of a comprehensive technology refresh for Jacksonville Fire and Rescue's Search and Rescue truck. Accelerated Media Technologies Inc. did a fantastic job outfitting the truck with the latest tech in preparation for hurricane deployments and other large-scale incidents.
As you review your own hurricane preparedness plans, consider how real-time weather monitoring can strengthen your organization's readiness ahead of the next storm.
Popular with HazMat teams and environmental researchers, portable weather stations offer a rapid-deployment option for on-site weather monitoring.
Fast to deploy. Built to perform. Ready for the field.
With an all-in-one design with no moving parts, it delivers reliable data with minimal setup and maintenance.
Available in Wireless and Datalogging configurations, the system offers:
- – GPS for compensated wind speed– Automatic self-alignment with internal compass
- – Tripod mast with "quick-connect" sensor head– Sealed battery system with charger for continuous monitoring– Rugged transportation cases
- – Automatic interface with CAMEO, PEAC, and CERES Software
Everything you need — packed, protected, and ready to deploy.
Columbia River Gorge wildflowers in Oregon. Taken by CWS President Nader Khoury.
Happy Earth Day! We're grateful to have many customers who help preserve Earth's beauty, wildlife, and natural resources through environmental research and sustainability efforts.
Learn about some of these customers at the links below:
Kezar Lake Watershed customer application
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality customer application
Johnston County 911 center with Weather MicroServer displaying real-time weather data on the far left wall.
An Orion Weather Station installed at a Johnston County 911 site in North Carolina.
In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we are spotlighting Johnston County 911 in North Carolina.
“We’re the senior most accredited 911 center in the world,” said 911 Director Morgan Harris in a recent video. “There’s nothing more important in this world than the human life. That’s why it’s so important to us to make sure that we have the tools and the training that we need.”
The center is the primary public safety answering point for all municipalities as well as Fire and EMS of the County of Johnston, according to their website. They provide 24/7 services to residents and agencies by answering both emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatching appropriate units.
Last year, the county replaced older units with nine Orion Weather Stations, installed at different sites in the area. The order included Weather Displays and Weather Master software.
“They have embraced the technology,” noted Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey in the video. “It’s just a role model for the rest of the state and the rest of the country.”
911 Deputy Director Zack Alexander reported that they are “very impressed with what we are seeing thus far,” and “everyone loves the new gear and displays.”
Thanks to all Public Safety Communicators around the country for your critical role in keeping our communities safe!
West Virginia Emergency Management Mobile Command Center with Magellan MX Weather Station on the roof.
Inside the command centers, a weather display shows real-time data from the weather station on the roof.
Mobile Command Centers serve as a centralized communication hub for law enforcement agencies, military operations, energy utilities, and more.
Critical equipment includes a weather station to aid with risk assessment, situational awareness, reporting, and resource allocation.
Outfitted with Magellan MX500 weather stations and Weather Displays, this rig was built for West Virginia Emergency Management Division by LDV, Inc.
When responding to incidents, crews need real-time weather data they can rely on to make informed decisions when it matters the most.
Photos courtesy of LDV, Inc.
Columbia Weather Systems President Nader Khoury with Orion sensor.
Why choose Columbia Weather for your weather monitoring needs? Here's what our customers have to say:
✴️ Quality:
“...Our trusted go-to multi-parameter weather sensor, thanks to its robust build quality and accurate performance, rain or shine!” –Accelerated Media Technologies
✴️ Reliability:
“The ease of use, simple installation, and ruggedized hardware are second to none. Our units have been installed for many years, and we expect them to continue to provide good reliable service for years to come.” –Automation Werx
✴️ Customization:
“We required your weather monitoring systems for the resource assessment and performance monitoring of our solar PV power plants... Columbia Weather Systems was able to provide us with a solution tailored to our specific requirements.” –Ceylex Renewables
✴️ Customer service:
“Your company is by far a top notch best in customer service I’ve ever dealt with and your products are of the highest quality.” –Bonneville Power Administration
A full weekend ahead!
Friday: Spring begins in the northern hemisphere. Here’s to longer, more colorful days.
Sunday: World Water Day This year's theme reminds us that safe water and sanitation play a critical role in supporting the rights and health of women globally.
Monday: World Meteorological Day, focused this year on “Observing today, protecting tomorrow.”
From big-picture planning to everyday operations, understanding what’s happening in the environment around us plays an important role in how we plan, respond, and move forward.
Recognize a familiar sensor in this ad from WNYT's weather team?
WNYT NewsChannel 13 debuted their new First Warning Weather Lab last year and described it on their website as "a mobile storm tracker custom-built to help us keep you ahead of weather that might impact your plans! From road temperature to wind speed, the weather lab's equipped with advanced technology designed to collect real-time weather data your First Warning Weather Team can then analyze and bring to you from anywhere in the Capital Region.”
Shout out to our friends at Accelerated Media Technologies Inc. for building this weather lab with the latest tech, fit for severe weather.
An Orion Weather Station mounted on a College Station Utilities substation control building.
A closer look at CSU's Orion Weather Station.
Weather station upgrade
College Station Utilities (CSU) provides electric, water, and wastewater services to residents across eastern Texas. Last year, an aging weather station led them to search for an accurate, reliable replacement. “These mechanical devices were getting older,” said SCADA Systems Analyst Robert Lawry, “and we started to lose some faith in the readings we were getting. That’s why we were looking to get an ‘all-in-one’ unit.”
Tracking on-site substation weather data for informed decisions
CSU selected the Orion Weather Station and mounted it on the roof of a substation control building. “On-site weather data is important because we are now using this data in order to purchase power on the market,” Lawry explained. “This data is being used in historical calculations to help us do that. By combining this weather data with historical data, we can accurately predict our load for the coming year and purchase the amount of power necessary for our utility.”
In addition to long-term forecasting and power purchasing, Lawry told us that the data also supports aspects of outage management, giving the team better visibility into local conditions when it matters most.
When asked if he would recommend an on-site system to other power utilities, Lawry responded, “I would say that it would be a great decision. The ability to monitor weather on-site has given us the ability to operate more efficiently in various aspects of our business.” He added, “Thanks for the opportunity to let you know how satisfied we are with your product.”
An all-in-one unit with no moving parts, the Orion Weather Station monitors the most common weather parameters in a single compact system.
For utilities like CSU, that combination of simplicity, durability, and dependable data makes a measurable difference.
(L-R) Nader, Margarita, Simo, and Mikko
We were pleased to welcome colleagues from Vaisala to our office last week, joining us all the way from Finland (Mikko and Simo) and Colorado (Margarita).
Vaisala sensors are integrated into several of our systems, and we enjoy connecting in-person to discuss the latest advancements in weather tech.
Kiitos for the visit!
An Electra aircraft takes off with a Magellan MX500 Portable weather station providing live data to the flight test team.
Electra.Aero is an aerospace company pioneering a hybrid-electric aircraft designed to take off and land in short distances. Their vision of "Direct Aviation" is built around the ability to operate aircraft in remote locations without established runways.
While this expands where operations are possible, it also introduces practical challenges during flight testing, particularly when it comes to weather monitoring.
Archie Williams after winning the gold medal at the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin
Archie (third from L) reviews weather conditions before a flight.
For incident commanders and emergency managers alike, localized meteorological data is no longer optional—it is a foundational input to risk management, operational strategy, and first responder safety.
Read our updated resource: 5 Ways On-Scene Weather Data Benefits Emergency Response
Winter conditions bring snow, ice, and freezing precipitation, all of which can interrupt certain sensor measurements.
Heated sensors help prevent buildup, assuring continuous operations in cold weather operations.
We offer heated sensors for Orion™, Pulsar™, and some Magellan MX™ weather station models. A heated tipping bucket rain gauge is also available.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Vulnerability Disclosure Program published an Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Advisory on January 6 documenting resolved vulnerabilities of the CWS MicroServer.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the reliability, accuracy, and security of our products, Columbia Weather Systems engaged a third-party cybersecurity audit in August 2025 to evaluate the security of the MicroServer. In October 2025, this review identified three vulnerabilities, which CWS disclosed to CISA.
Our development team acted quickly to address the findings. All identified issues were remediated and incorporated into MicroServer firmware version MS_4.1_14142. A follow-on assessment by the same third-party confirmed that the remediations were successful.
We recommend all customers with a MicroServer update to firmware version MS_4.1_14142. Please contact our support team.
We’re grateful to help customers around the globe make better, weather-informed decisions every day. Thank you for being part of our 2025!
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