The advantage of APRS is that there is a HUGE network of digital repeaters (digipeaters) across the US (and probably world-wide though the US is my main interes

The advantage of APRS is that there is a HUGE network of digital repeaters (digipeaters) across the US (and probably world-wide though the US is my main interest). APRS also has several internet cross-over listening points so you could hook into a service like https://aprs.fi https://aprs.fi to listen for updates hitting the network from your weather stations. The licensing requirement isn't steep in the US; if memory serves its 35 questions, all multiple choice, and the question pool is published. Readers of Hacker News should be able to pass the technician exam with about a week of light study and that gives you full privileges from 30 MHz and up (APRS runs between 144 and 146 MHz depending on which country you're in).