Jackson Free Press

[Verbatim] The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, better known as CoCoRaHS, has recently expanded into Mississippi and is looking for volunteer weather observers across the Magnolia State! CoCoRaHS, which is being sponsored by the Office of the Mississippi State Climatologist and the National Weather Service, is a unique, non-profit, community based network of volunteer weather observers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and report precipitation amounts (rain, hail and snow). By using low-cost and self-provided measurement tools, the aim of CoCoRaHS is to provide the maximum amount of data for natural resource education as well as research applications, because, as we say "every drop counts."

CoCoRaHS is currently up and operating in 37 states with two more states slated to join in the remainder of 2008. Recent rains across the region indicate the variability of rainfall we receive across the state of Mississippi! Through CoCoRaHS, scientists can better study these rainfall patterns and apply these findings to help your community!?
This is truly a fun, educational community-based project. Everyone can help - young and old. There are a few basic requirements for being a CoCoRaHS weather observer:?
(1) Have access to the internet and the ability to browse the CoCoRaHS web site. This will be the way to submit your precipitation report. ?(2) Have an official-type CoCoRaHS rain gauge (you can buy one inexpensively via the website) ?(3) Have a good site on your property with good exposure (as tree- and obstruction-free as possible) where you can place the rain gauge about five feet off the ground ?(4) Be willing to enter your precipitation data on a daily basis between 69AM through our internet web site. ?
What are the benefits of being a CoCoRaHS observer? Though it is unpaid, one of the neat things about participating in the CoCoRaHS network is walking away with the feeling that you are making an important contribution that helps others. By providing your daily precipitation data, you truly help in filling in a piece of the puzzle that affects many in your part of Mississippi in one way or another - whether it's farmers and ranchers, emergency management personnel or the National Weather Service as they study the long term climate record. CoCoRaHS also provides a great way to learn more about weather and water by participating collaboratively with many local scientists. ??How do you become a CoCoRaHS observer? You can go to our website (http://www.cocorahs.org) and click on the "Join CoCoRaHS" emblem on the upper right side of the main website. If you have questions, please contact Marty Pope at the National Weather Service office in Jackson at 601-936-2189.