Dual thermistor radiosonde (DTR) comprising two (white and black) sensors with different emissivities was developed to correct the effects of solar radiation on temperature sensors based on in situ radiation measurements. All components contributing to the uncertainty of the radiation measurement and correction are analysed. The DTR methodology improves the accuracy of temperature measurement in the upper air within the framework of the traceability to the International System of Units.

The measurement of temperature in the free atmosphere is of significance for weather prediction and climate monitoring. Radiosondes are used to measure essential climate variables in upper air. Herein, an upper-air simulator is developed, and its performance is evaluated to improve the measurement accuracy of radiosondes by reproducing the environments that may be encountered by radiosondes. The paper presents a methodology to correct the main source of error for the radiosonde measurements.