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Welcome to Massachusetts CoCoRaHS !
"Volunteers working together to measure precipitation across the nation."
Birch Pond in Lynn, MA
The Bay State became the 40th state to join CoCoRaHS on March 1, 2009
We currently have more than 500 observers who help us measure daily precipitation
We are always looking for more observers. Sign up today!!!
One small measurement to make.
One giant impact that measurement makes upon the millions that depend upon water.
We encourage anyone who has an interest in the weather, a desire to learn more about weather and climate, and enthusiasm to report daily observations to Join CoCoRaHS We pride ourselves with having trained observers, either through the online session or by attending group training.
(See the FAQs below for more information)
Southern New England CoCoRaHS Newsletter
(Thanks to our Editor, Matt Spies, CT-FR-9)
Latest Newsletters:
Special Newsletter: Florence Rainfall
September, 2018
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) About CoCoRaHS
How Do I Get Started?
Sign up today and enter information about your location and your contact preferences.
You will receive a welcome e-mail with your new CoCoRaHS ID and instructions.
As soon as you have a user name, password and a rain gauge, you many enter observations immediately!
How Do I Get a Rain Gauge?
We strongly encourage you to purchase a plastic 4" rain gauge. This will ensure that the data collected by CoCoRaHS observers is not only consistent throughout Massachusetts, but between Massachusetts and the rest of the country! Automated rain gauges can be prone to errors in measurement, so we prefer you to use the 4" plastic gauge. Unfortunately, we do not have any spare rain gauges to give away.
The rain gauge costs around $30 and may be purchased at: WeatherYourWay.com or Ambient Weather
How Do I Report My Precipitation Amounts?
Most observers report online or with the CoCoRaHS "App" which is available for iPhone and Android devices. If necessary, you can also report by phone at 970-491-6300.
Is Training Available?
Yes, we offer training online through Training Slideshows or YouTube Videos
Occasionally, we also hold in-person training sessions. We'll post the dates here as they are scheduled.
What If I Can't Report Every Day?
Not to worry. Just report as often as you can. Many of us have other commitments including work, school, and vacation time. And sometimes the weather makes it difficult to go outside and take your reading from the rain gauge! The nice thing about CoCoRaHS is there is a way to report "multi day" totals if you need to!
How Is My CoCoRaHS Data Used in Massachusetts?
CoCoRaHS reports are used in real-time and for climatological purposes. Some users include the National Weather Service (NWS), State and Local agencies, the media, and the public. For example, NWS offices in Albany and Taunton use CoCoRaHS reports as part of rainfall and snowfall listings in Public Information Statements during storms. The NWS Northeast River Forecast Center uses daily precipitation data to supplement precipitation analyses, which are used to help predict river flows throughout the region. The data is also used for water resource management.
Who Can I Contact for More Information?
Contact Joe Dellicarpini, State Coordinator,
or contact your Regional Coordinator listed below.
Massachusetts CoCoRaHS Regional Coordinators
Metro Boston and Southeast: Bill Simpson William.Simpson@noaa.gov
Central: Nicole Belk Nicole.Belk@noaa.gov
Western: Jennifer Vogt-Miller Jennifer.Vogtmiller@noaa.gov
Massachusetts Fun Facts!
Massachusetts averages between 40 and 50 inches of precipitation each year
Record for 24 hour rainfall: 18.15 inches in Westfield, Aug 18-19, 1955
Record maximum annual precipitation: 76.49 inches in New Salem, 1996
Record minimum annual precipitation: 21.76 inches in Chatham, 1965
Massachusetts CoCoRaHS is a collaboration between Colorado State University,
National Weather Service Offices in Albany and Taunton,
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation,
and the American Meteorological Society
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