Cooperative Weather Observer Program - Becoming An Observer

Are you interested in becoming an official weather observer?  Several unique opportunities exist for weather observers in New Mexico.  Each one is described below in more detail.

Cooperative weather observers, part of the Cooperative Observer Program (COOP), generally record temperature and precipitation daily and electronically send those reports to the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). Many COOP observers provide additional hydrological or meteorological data, such as evaporation or soil temperatures. Datasets are then transmitted to the NWS via internet.  Equipment used at the NWS cooperative stations is typically owned by the NWS, and requires a small,  unobstructed space that can be dedicated to house the NWS instrumentation.  See our proper siting requirements for further details.

There is no requirement to take any tests to become a COOP observer, but every prospective observer needs to demonstrate a willingness to dedicate a few minutes each day to recording weather data while assuring its quality and accuracy. Volunteer weather observers conscientiously contribute their time so that observations can provide the vital information needed.  These datasets are invaluable in learning more about the floods, droughts, heat and cold waves affecting us all. The datasets are also used in agricultural planning and assessment, engineering, environmental-impact assessment, utilities planning, and litigation. COOP weather observer data plays a critical role in efforts to recognize and evaluate the extent of human impacts on weather and climate from local to global scales.

The NWS in Albuquerque serves the northern two-thirds of New Mexico, and has observers in all but one county in our forecast area. These observers in more remote areas are vital to gather daily data where observations are sparse. The NWS goal is a spacing of about one station every 25 miles (one per 625 square miles), however this is difficult in New Mexico due to the low population and sharp changes in elevation. This is why we greatly appreciate each and every one of our observers.

The specific requirements for COOP observers include the following:

1. A commitment to long-term recordkeeping: minimum of 10 years at one location (businesses, utilities, family farms, and state parks are popular candidates).
2. The ability to learn and perform daily observation duties.
3. A willingness to allow the NWS to place measuring instruments on your property.
4. A willingness to allow at least one visit per year from a NWS representative.
5. Ownership of a personal computer with Internet access.

If you are selected to become an official COOP station, the NWS will provide you with the training and support needed. Depending on your station's instrumentation, your site will typically be visited once or twice every 12 months.  Unfortunately, volunteers are not paid except in a few very specific situations.

Using a website, observers send daily high and low temperatures, as well as 24-hour precipitation totals directly to the NWS.  At the beginning of the month, the previous month's data is finalized by both the observer and the NWS. These datasets are quality controlled and then sent to NCDC, where they are finalized and collectively made part of the official national climate database. 

Due to the rural nature of New Mexico, our current observation network lacks the spatial resolution necessary to adequately cover the state.  Observers are often clustered around cities and major highways, with many areas void of weather data.  Weather radars also have limitations, as the radar beams are commonly blocked by the high elevation mountains, and other large gaps in radar coverage also exist due to the size of our large state.  Enter SKYWARN storm spotters, vital assets that can provide real-time ground truth information to meteorologists!  This SKYWARN network of storm spotters is independent of the COOP, but many COOP stations are also storm spotters.  Storm spotters report tornadoes, funnel clouds, hail, strong winds, flooding, snowfall, ice accumulation, and any hazardous weather causing injury, death or damage.  Spotters can use a storm report form on our webpage.  Please note, however, you will be required to attend a SKYWARN spotter training course developed by the NWS.  It takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Check our our SKYWARN page for the latest list of training sessions in your area.