The Minnesota State Climatology Office is looking for volunteers to help track precipitation across the state through the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, known as CoCoRaHS.
The nationwide program includes more than 20,000 volunteers who measure rainfall and snowfall using standard rain gauges and submit their observations online. Officials say the data plays a key role in monitoring local weather patterns and long-term climate trends.
“Rainfall and snowfall amounts can vary widely over a short distance, so multiple reports are helpful in the same community or area,” State Climatologist Luigi Romolo said. “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. Over time, as more volunteer reports make our precipitation maps more accurate, these observations provide critical guidance on Minnesota’s changing climate,” Romolo added. “It’s a great educational activity for families with kids, and a rewarding hobby for anyone interested in weather or climate.”
Volunteers are especially needed outside the Twin Cities metro and will receive training materials online. Participants must have internet access and a standard 4-inch rain gauge.
Minnesota has led the nation in recruiting new volunteers for the past six years, and officials hope to continue that streak during this year’s “Rain Gauge Rally 2026,” which runs through the end of April.
