Weather Observers Needed to Help Track Rain, Hail and Snowfall

(KNSI) – Officials are calling on residents in central Minnesota to help track precipitation by joining a weather monitoring network.

The National Weather Service’s State Climatology Office is looking for volunteers to help the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. The initiative relies on volunteers who measure rain, hail and snowfall in their backyards using a standard 4″ rain gauge. Volunteers are trained to monitor weather patterns, accurately record readings, and submit their data online. The data collected is then used to create a bigger picture of weather trends affecting our area and the state.

Participants must buy the standard rain gauge and have internet access to submit their numbers. Minnesota has consistently excelled in recruiting new volunteers, winning the CoCoRaHS Cup for the past five years for bringing in the most new participants during the national March recruiting drive.

To sign up or learn more, click here.

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