The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s State Climatology Office, in partnership with the National Weather Service, is actively recruiting for volunteer precipitation observers across the state. All that is needed to report for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow network, known as CoCoRaHS, is a four inch diameter rain gauge set up in a suitable location and access to the internet. All data collected is immediately available and free online and is used routinely for flood forecasting, drought assessment, news stories, scientific research and general weather interest. “Whatever comes our way in 2018, the weather observations obtained by this network can be of great benefit in obtaining a clearer picture of Iowa’s weather,” says State Climatologist, Harry Hillaker. Greene County has been included on the list of most critical need areas. Anyone interested in learning more can do so by logging on to www.cocorahs.org.
