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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Weighing Rain Gauge Recording Charts

browse graphicRain Gauge Form Preview
Weighing rain gauge charts record the amount of precipitation that falls at a given location. The vast majority of the Weighing Rain Gauge Recording Charts collection comes from the National Weather Service, cooperative stations, and the Pacific Islands, however, there are some forms that were provided through international organizations and agreements. Throughout much of the history of the collection, observations were taken on paper. However, much of the paper was converted to other media. Of those records that were converted, records are available on microfilm from 1888 through 1972 and on microfiche between 1973 and the mid-1990s. Data contains continuous recording of precipitation amounts to one-hundredth of an inch.
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • NCEI Physical Archive Collection: CHTRG1
  • NCEI Physical Archive Collection: CHTRG2
  • NCEI Physical Archive Collection: CHTWRG
  • gov.noaa.ncdc:C00170
gov.noaa.ncdc:C00170
Distribution Formats
  • XML
  • MICROFICHE / PAPER / MICROFILM
Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact Customer Engagement Branch
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
1-828-271-4800
ncei.orders@noaa.gov
Time Period 1888-01-01 to Present
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -180
East: 180
South: 0
North: 70
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Publication Dates
    No administrative dates available
Data Presentation Form Hardcopy image - image archived in analog format
Dataset Progress Status Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency Not planned
Supplemental Information
In the 1980s and 1990s some charts are noted as originating from first-order (professionally manned sites with hourly observations) and second-order (manned by trained staff with fewer elements and less frequent observations) stations.
Purpose Precipitation is a critical component of understanding the climate. Charts record resolution to one minute, providing the opportunity for increased understanding of heavy precipitation events.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
Cited Authors
  • DOC/NOAA/NWS > National Weather Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • International Organizations
Originators
  • DOC/NOAA/NWS > National Weather Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • International Organizations
Publishers
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Precipitation
Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Essential Climate Variables (ECVs)
  • Atmospheric - Surface - Precipitation
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Platform keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords
  • Meteorological Stations
  • WEATHER STATIONS
Instrument keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
  • Rain Gauges
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Geographic Region > Northern Hemisphere
  • Continent > North America > United States Of America
Stratum keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Vertical Location > Land Surface
Use Constraints
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: dataset
Lineage Statement The National Weather Service produced the vast majority of the weighing rain gauge forms. However, other organizations and groups also contributed to the collection.
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
  • RAIN GAUGES
Platform
  • METEOROLOGICAL STATIONS
Last Modified: 2023-09-07
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov