Daily and monthly maximum and minimum temperature datasets archived at NCAR and some applications

The temporal and spatial coverage of datasets archived at the National Center for Atmospheric Research which contain daily and monthly station observations are briefly described. These datasets form one of the foundations for climate research. Most commonly they contain daily minimum and maximum temperatures (Tmin and Tmax, respectively) and precipitation. Other variables are reported less often: these include sea level pressure, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, cloud type, etc. A proposed project to establish a global dataset containing daily Tmin, Tmax and precipitation observations from stations extending back to 1900 is outlined: Finally, some examples of research results derived using these observations are described.