Current and recent weather data are vital to forecasting.
To figure out the future, we must understand what happened recently and what is happening now. We continuously look at this data:
Surface weather observations. This includes sensors at airfields, along roads, and people’s backyards. Below are good sources for government data and personal data.
Satellite is invaluable! The high resolution images available nearly every five minutes are a HUGE technological improvement and immensely helpful.
Radar is critical, especially for near-term features. In our area as of spring 2021, radar only detects precipitation that is over 25,000ft high. Thankfully a new radar is supposed to be installed south of Durango that should plug the Four Corners data gap!