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Welcome to CoCoRaHS in the Sunshine State!

In October 2007, Florida became the 23rd state to join the CoCoRaHS program, and we are currently have over 500 active observers.  We are always looking for more volunteers to help with the program.

Archived Florida CoCoRaHS Newsletters: Click Here

What is CoCoRaHS? The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (or CoCoRaHS) is a grassroots, non-profit, community-based, high-density precipitation-measurement network made up of volunteers from all backgrounds and ages who take daily measurements of 'just precipitation' right in their own backyards.  Given the variable pattern of rainfall over Florida, it's important to understand just how much rain fell in a particular area.  How many times have you heard the rainfall report from an official gauge and thought to yourself, 'That's not what I got?!'.  This is your chance to help.  By providing your daily precipitation data, you truly help many folks in Florida in one way or another -- whether it's agricultural interests, National Weather Service meteorologists, forestry officials, water-management employees, or emergency-management personnel.

So, you want to become an observer?  It's easy to sign up to become an observer.  You can either click on the 'Join CoCoRaHS' logo on the homepage or go here.  Once you've signed up, someone will contact you with all the information (station name, station number and login support) you need to get your station up and running.  Are you a 'snow bird' and just live in the state for a few months out of the year?  We're still interested in your observations!  You'll need a few 'tools of the trade' in order to be a successful observer.  They are:
+ The desire and commitment to help study and learn about precipitation and storms
+ A 4" rain gauge and your own unique station number and name 
+ Training
+ Internet access

Need a rain gauge?  You can purchase an official CoCoRaHS rain gauge from various suppliers. 

Before you start, you need to be trained.  To properly set up your rain gauge and to learn how to accurately read your rain gauge (yes, there is a wrong way to do it!), you'll need some training.  You can read through the training seminar online -- just click here.  In-person training seminars may be available in your area depending upon interest -- please enquire with one of the state co-coordinators (see below) if you're interested.  

Want to do more to help?  Besides seeking observers in all areas of the state, we are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping us out at the county/local level.  If you're interested in becoming a county/local coordinator, please contact:

Ivetta Abramyan
Department of Science and Mathematics
Florida State College at Jacksonville -- South Campus -- C111
11901 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32246
904-646-2121
ivetta.abramyan@fscj.edu

For more information on coordinators in the state: http://www.cocorahs.org/Content.aspx?page=coord_FL