Douglas County needs weather watchers

DOUGLAS COUNTY — The National Weather Service and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources say Douglas County is in need of more weather observers.

The observers are responsible for measuring precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch-diameter rain gauge. As well as collecting snowfall data in the winter.

“These volunteers help the DNR verify high rain and snow totals after big events, monitor drought and flooding, make our precipitation maps more accurate and provide needed guidance on Minnesota’s changing climate," according to the DNR's website.

Those who wish to be a weather observer would do so through CoCoRaHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow) — a network that allows weather watchers of all ages to share their weather reports online for anyone who needs the measurements, including the National Weather Service and the Minnesota DNR, According to Michelle Margraf, meteorologist and Observing Program Leader for the National Weather Service Twin Cities, which is based in Chanhassen.

"The more reports that are available, the better the understanding of the weather's impact on the area," she said in an email.

CoCoRaHS observers may also send reports of severe weather like hail, flooding, blizzards, ice storms, wind damage and excessive rainfall totals.

"Climate stations are located around 20 miles apart across the country, but the weather can vary significantly across short distances," said Margraf when asked why weather observers are needed. "Due to the variability of precipitation, amounts can be quite different only a block or two away. CoCoRaHS observers help fill in the gaps. The more observations, the better the understanding of the weather's impact on the area."

The need for observers is nothing new according to Margraf. She said there has always been a need, especially in rural Minnesota "where reports are not as concentrated as in the Twin Cities." She said there are a "few observers" in Douglas County and added that there is no limit to the number of weather observers that can join.

"The more observers, the better," she said. "If even five more people signed up as weather observers in each county, that would increase the density of reports by at least twofold."

To sign up as an observer please visit https://www.cocorahs.org.