This dataset contains the daily morning surface temperature inversion reports for the Pittsburgh, PA area. A temperature inversion occurs when the temperature increases with height as opposed to decreasing with height. Temperature inversions are common during the evening, nighttime, and morning hours. These inversions can sometimes result in poor air quality posing health risks especially for those who are immuno-compromised. To determine whether a surface temperature inversion is present, one must analyze a vertical profile of the atmosphere. The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Pittsburgh launches a weather balloon every morning to collect this data. The data are released publicly, and the data is then programmatically analyzed by the Air Quality division of the Allegheny County Health Department.

Sometimes, the weather balloon launch does not happen. Most of the time this occurs because the NWS in Pittsburgh has a helium shortage. If this occurs, then the measured fields (temperature_c, depth_m, and strength) are assigned null values, and the reason why is put in the notes field.