NWS Gray SKYWARN Spotter Network

Skywarn Fact Sheet

Skywarn Training Schedule

Local weather observers are an essential part of the National Weather Service forecast and warning program.

The National Weather Service in Gray relies on weather reports from local weather observers across numerous communities in New Hampshire and western Maine. Our observers help us determine how severe a storm is, how much snow or rain has fallen, or how quickly our streams and creeks are rising. In addition, the National Weather Service relies on volunteer weather observers who on a daily basis take temperature and precipitation measurements to monitor our climate.

There are two types of volunteer opportunities avialable with the National Weather Service: Skywarn/Storm Spotters and CoCoRAHS observers.

The Skywarn and Storm Spotter networks are open to all residents of New Hampshire and western Maine who are interested, but require a short (2 hours or less) training session. These observer programs are voluntary and the level ofparticipation is up to you. You report all types of severe weather to your local NWS office - severe thunderstorms, rain and snow amounts, flooding, etc.

CoCoRAHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow) Spotters report rain and snow amounts to a national network on a daily basis, by setting up simple equipment near the homes (generally, a rain gauge and snow board).

We would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of our current spotters. Your work has helped usto fulfill our mission which is to provide forecasts and warnings to protect the citizens of New Hampshire and western Maine.