The Nebraska Rainfall Assessment and Information Network (NeRAIN) is a program designed to get citizens involved with monitoring weather across the state. The network consists of several hundred volunteers that spend a few minutes each day recording precipitation measurements along with outstanding weather events and uploading them to the NeRAIN website. Due to weather changing in time and space, many volunteers are needed in order to accurately measure and describe rainfall, snowfall patterns, and hail swaths across the state.
While the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) operates the NeRAIN website, rain gauges are provided to NeRAIN volunteers using funding by: Nebraska Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), NeDNR, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Participants of this program will receive a high-quality rain gauge at no cost! The only requirement is that you have internet access.
To learn more about the program, or to enter a report, click here to visit the NeRAIN webpage
There are a number of uses for the precipitation data:
- Create rainfall runoff models
- Study groundwater recharge
- Crop-water use calculations
It can also be used to study storm events, to make flood and high-water predictions, and for flood plain mapping.
The data can be used for agricultural purposes as well. Conservation agencies and crop consultants use the data to assist with irrigation scheduling and meeting a crop's water needs.
If you are interested in being a NeRAIN volunteer, contact Brian Bruckner here.