Every March, the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network or CoCoRaHS, conducts a campaign to recruit more observers for its nationwide volunteer weather observing
CoCoRaHS rain gauge
network. If you have an interest in observing precipitation from your own backyard, I encourage you to check out CoCoRaHS. The data is used by many organizations and your observation is used to create realtime maps of rain, hail, and snow on the CoCoRaHS web page.
What is CoCoRaHS?
CoCo.. what? CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive Web-site, our aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications. We are now in all fifty states.
What does it cost to join?
There is no charge to join but you will need to purchase an official CoCoRaHS rain gauge at a cost of around $30 (including shipping). Links to purchase a rain gauge are available from the CoCoRaHS web site. It is very important that all observers use this gauge for accuracy and consistency.
What about training?
All observers are required to go through training in order to learn things like the best place to install your rain gauge, correct measurement procedures, and using the web page. Attending a training session is the best way to get training but if that is not possible, training is available online.
OK, How do I sign up?!
Simple, go to the CoCoRaHS web site (http://www.cocorahs.org/) and click on the Join CoCoRaHS link.
For Illinois information and upcoming training, be sure and check out: