Resolution Guide
Choosing the right spatial and temporal resolution for your weather data needs
Spatial resolution comparison
| Resolution | Source | Coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1km | MRMS / Athenium contours | CONUS only | Precise precipitation, severe weather at a specific address |
| 2km | High-res gridded | CONUS only | Wind and temperature at property level |
| 4km | Stage IV | CONUS only | Precipitation analysis, moderate detail |
| 8km | Satellite | Global | International precipitation, broad coverage |
| 15km | ERA5 / GFS | Global | Climate analysis, reanalysis, forecast |
| 30km | GFS | Global (outside CONUS) | International forecast |
When to use what
Insurance underwriting
Use 1km severe weather data and risk scores for property-level peril assessment.
Climate due diligence
Use 15km gridded history with interannual mode for multi-decade trends.
Real-time monitoring
Use forecast for upcoming conditions and severe_weather_daily_analysis for current events.
International analysis
Use 15km gridded (ERA5) for historical and 8km satellite for precipitation. Station data may be sparse outside the US.
Temporal resolution
Most tools support daily intervals. Station data supports hourly observations. The interval parameter controls aggregation where available.