Library Class Teaches How to Track Rainfall

From Three Rivers Library:

MINOOKA, IL — The National Weather Service wants your help! The agency is trying to recruit more citizen volunteers to track precipitation in northern Illinois through the Community Collaborative Rain Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRahs). Rainfall can vary widely in a given area and, although there is already a system of statewide data collectors, there are areas that need more data to offer a more complete record and make forecasting more accurate.

The community network is strictly voluntary, you can report every day or just during the rainy season; it’s up to you, but every report counts. There are some requirements to participating in the program and Three Rivers Library is hosting an opportunity for you to learn more about being a volunteer rainfall observer. CoCoRahs will be at Three Rivers Library Minooka Branch at 109 N Wabena Ave.on Saturday, March 25 at 1 p.m.

“Research shows that a lot of people already measure precipitation; they have their own rain gauges in their backyards, so why not find out how to share that data with the National Weather Service and help everyone in the community?” said Adult Services Librarian Sarah Robertson. “Three Rivers Library is always looking for ways to support our communities and make connections. This opportunity for citizens to learn how they can help the community simply by sharing data they are already collecting seemed like a win for everyone.”

The library requests registration for the Every Drop Counts: Learn to be a volunteer rainfall observer program. You can register via the library’s website at www.trpld.org or by calling the library at 815-467-6200.

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