Iowans who enjoy following the state’s ever-changing weather conditions are wanted to help with a national network of weather observers. State Climatologist Harry Hillaker says volunteers are needed for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow network, otherwise known as CoCoRaHS….
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Hillaker says the data that’s collected by the volunteer observers is available for free online and helps the National Weather Service with flood forecasting, drought assessments, and more….
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The CoCoRaHS network was established in Colorado in 1998 and has spread to all 50 states. Iowa joined the volunteer network in 2007. Hillaker says weather observers are needed statewide, but the most critical needs are in Osceola, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Worth, Wright, Allamakee, Calhoun, Carroll, Shelby, Audubon, Cedar, Adams, Monroe, Louisa, Davis and Van Buren counties.