National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Regional Outbreaks of Severe Weather Through Early Next Week; Early Season Heat Wave across the South

Active spring pattern across the center of our nation with several episodes of severe weather and heavy rainfall expected into next week. The potential for very large hail, long track tornadoes, severe wind gusts, frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes and flash flooding are in the outlook. Furthermore, dangerous early season heat wave continues for the Gulf Coast states into early next week. Read More >

 

Observations

CoCoRaHS Homepage  

 

What is CoCoRaHS?

CoCoRaHS stands for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow network. It is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, snow and hail). The network originated with the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University in 1998 thanks in part to a devastating flood that occurred in the previous year. 

 

Can I participate?

Absolutely! The ultimate goal of the program is to have one observer per square mile in urban/suburban areas and one observer every 36 square miles in rural areas. Everyone can help, young, old, and in-between. The only requirements are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can effect and impact our lives. 

 

Once trained, volunteers collect data using low cost measuring tools such as a 4-inch diameter high capacity rain gage (pictured right), snow boards to measure snow, and aluminum foil-wrapped Styrofoam hail pads in some states. Information on purchasing a rain gage can be found via the CoCoRaHS main page. 

4 inch Diameter High Capacity Rain Gage
 
Click Here to Join CoCoRaHS!

How do I join?

Either click on the “Join CoCoRaHS” image to the right or visit the CoCoRaHS home page at www.cocorahs.org to get more information on the program.

For more information, please contact Brian Brettschneider | brian.brettschneider@noaa.gov