MANKATO — Every day James Carver measures precipitation in his backyard.
He’s been a rainfall monitor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources since moving to Mankato in 2020. Prior to that, he was a monitor in Marshall and in Colorado.
“It’s fun,” Carver said. “I’m a science person. I’ve always been interested in meteorology. It just wasn’t a field I wanted to go into, but I’ve been interested in weather events since I was a kid.”
In the Mankato region, there are already 50 to 100 weather observers. The DNR is seeking additional rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network.
“The more we get the better,” said Luigi Romolo, state climatologist with the DNR. “I wouldn’t say there’s a limit. We’re going to try to recruit until there’s a gauge in every backyard.”
The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge.
Participants make their precipitation reports online. The 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, according to a DNR press release.
“Rainfall and snowfall amounts can vary widely over a short distance, so a variety of reports is helpful in the same community or area,” Romolo stated in the release. “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.”
Steve Blaschko lives in the country between Mankato and Madison Lake and enjoys being a rain gauge monitor. He said it’s easy to do and allows him to give back to the community.
“It’s a citizen science project,” he said. “I think it’s fun. It’s something anybody can do.”
He’s been volunteering with the DNR for nearly three years. He said it’s fulfilling.
“You get an app you respond to every day; you input your information and you’re done,” he said.
Weather observation is a great learning tool for families and is a great fit for anyone who is interested in weather. Observers are asked to take daily readings at the same time every day and report findings online. All they need is a 4-inch rain gauge and Internet access.
“We would love for you to join even if you can only do it four to five days a week,” Romolo said. “Not everyone can report every day. You might go on vacation or to the lake, and that’s fine. It’s totally fine if life gets in the way. All we ask of observers is to do their best.”
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.
“Over time, as more volunteer reports make our precipitation maps more accurate, these observations provide critical guidance on Minnesota’s changing climate,” Romolo stated. “This is also a great educational activity for families with kids and a rewarding hobby for anyone interested in weather or climate.”
For the past five years, Minnesota has won a nationwide contest for recruiting the most new volunteers of any state during the March national recruiting drive.
To volunteer as a new weather observer, go to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network website at cocorahs.org or contact Romolo at luigi.romolo@state.mn.us.