Weather-obsessed Minnesota leads the nation in weather observers

Minnesotans are weather-obsessed. I mean it in the warmest way possible.

We’re a state of weather geeks. I count myself in that group. To me, it’s a compliment of sorts. And it’s not surprising given that weather whiplash has become a staple in Minnesota’s weather vocabulary.

Our extreme weather swings and storms are legendary water cooler and grocery checkout line small talk. Ask a Minnesotan what a polar vortex or a wall cloud is and they’ll probably nail it.

It’s amazing how much the typical Minnesotan has learned about weather since I started this weather career nearly 40 years ago. Watching meteorologists explain our amazing weather is one reason I dove head-first into my 20-year TV and nearly 20-year radio weather career.

So it’s no big surprise that Minnesota has led the nation in weather observers for the past four years. How do we know that?

CoCoRaHS.

Say what?

CoCoRaHS is the acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network.

Here’s how CoCoRaHS describes its mission:

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.

Minnesota State Climatologist Luigi Romolo reached out to remind me that Minnesota has won the CoCoRaHS cup for the past four years. It’s given to the state with the most new weather observer volunteers. It seems like a good topic for Updraft so here we are.

Hi Paul,

Hope all is well with you. I am writing you today to see if you would be interested in running a story about CoCoRaHS. As you know, it’s that time of the year where we recruit CoCoRaHS observers and Minnesota is trying to win the CoCoRaHS cup for the 5th year in a row. Can you believe that? Of course, obtaining more observers is always our goal and I know you’re aware of the importance of the data that we get from CoCoRaHS. I ask that you please consider this. I am happy to provide an interview if needed. Here is a link to the Minnesota DNR news release regarding our campaign efforts:

Thanks for your consideration,

Luigi

They are particularly looking for volunteers in greater Minnesota outside the Twin Cities area. So what do you have to do to become a CoCoRaHS weather observer?

Here’s the info from the Minnesota DNR:

The Minnesota State Climatology Office is seeking rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network. The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge.

Participants submit their precipitation reports online. The data from backyard rain gauges are a critical source of information and it’s beneficial to add more volunteer weather observers each year, even in areas where there are already volunteers.

“Rainfall and snowfall amounts can vary widely over a short distance, so a variety of reports is helpful in the same community or area,” State Climatologist Luigi Romolo said. “We have some areas in greater Minnesota that have very few reporting stations. The more we have across the state, the better information we all have.”

“Over time, as more volunteer reports make our precipitation maps more accurate, these observations provide critical guidance on Minnesota’s changing climate,” Romolo added. “This is also a great educational activity for families with kids and a rewarding hobby for anyone interested in weather or climate.”

Volunteers are particularly needed outside the immediate Twin Cities metro area. Volunteers receive training on how to observe weather trends and how to submit their precipitation and weather event reports. All training material is available online. Participants must purchase or provide a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge (available at discount through CoCoRaHS) and have internet access to submit reports.

So if weather observing is in your wheelhouse, this might be a good time to become a Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network volunteer weather observer.

Happy weather watching.