Have you ever considered becoming a Weather Watcher? Are you the type of person who checks the weather report first thing in the morning, and the last thing at night? Do you rush outside to check the sky when you hear a distant boom of thunder or feel a gust of wind through an open window? Are you a Weather Channel junkie, or have a weather station in your back yard? If you fit any of these descriptions, you might just be the perfect person to become a Weather Watcher for your community.
So just what does it take to be a Weather Watcher? Well, to start with, you will of course need a reliable thermometer and a rain gauge. Other good items to have would be a barometer, anemometer (to measure wind speed and direction), and perhaps a hygrometer (to measure humidity). If you’re a real weather junkie, you may already have your own weather station. You will also need a reliable internet connection, and a digital camera. When the snow and ice wreak havoc during a rough Sierra winter, a picture is worth a truckload of data! Video would also be appreciated, when things are really kicking up.
If this sounds like something that is right up your alley, and that you would love to do, let’s talk about what we would request from you:
-We ask that you provide us with the most accurate observations you possibly can by doing the following:
1. Locate your rain gauge in an area away from trees, buildings, etc., that may block rainfall from being collected.
2. Select a location for your thermometer that keeps it out of direct sunlight and away from surfaces that generate heat, such as concrete, brick and reflecting metal.
3. Post your observations at least once a day. We completely understand the realities of life that lead our Weather Watchers to take a day off, or go on vacation. No problem! Aside from those instances, we need to be able to consider your data to be reliable on a consistent basis, with regular postings.
4. We will need to be able to use your name and location on the website.
Weather Watchers provide a very important service for their community. Living here in the mountains, we don’t always get the very best coverage of current and developing weather conditions. This is a great way for you to make a difference. In weather terms, things can happen fast. Having instant updates on this live website is very important, both to us, and to folks in the mountain area. Your contribution as an integral part of SierraNewsOnline is one of the things that help us to serve the communities to the very best of our ability.
So, if you’ve decided that you would like to join our team and become a SierraNewsOnline Weather Watcher, please list your information in the form below, and we’ll get started!
