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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

U.S. 15 Minute Precipitation Data

Precipitation 15 Minute

browse graphic15 Minute Precipitation Data GIS Image
U.S. 15 Minute Precipitation Data is digital data set DSI-3260, archived at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). This is precipitation data. The primary source of data for this file is approximately 2,000 mostly U.S. weather stations operated or managed by the U.S. National Weather Service. Stations are primary, secondary, or cooperative observer sites that have the capability to measure precipitation at 15 minute intervals. This dataset contains 15-minute precipitation data (reported 4 times per hour, if precip occurs) for U.S. stations along with selected non-U.S. stations in U.S. territories and associated nations. It includes major city locations and many small town locations. Daily total precipitation is also included as part of the data record. NCDC has in archive data from most states as far back as 1970 or 1971, and continuing to the present day. The major parameter is precipitation amounts at 15 minute intervals, when precipitation actually occurs.
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • NCEI DSI 3260
  • gov.noaa.ncdc:C00505
gov.noaa.ncdc:C00505
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Distribution Formats
  • CSV
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  • fixed-length ASCII text
  • ArcGIS
  • KMZ
  • PDF
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 1970-01-01 to Present
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: 130.0
East: -60.0
South: -15.0
North: 72.0
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Publication Dates
  • publication: unknown
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Under development - data is currently in the process of being created
Data Update Frequency As needed
Purpose This dataset contains historical 15-minute precipitation observations for selected U.S. stations. Data values are typically delayed six months or more.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
Cited Authors
  • User Engagement and Services Branch
    DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Originators
  • User Engagement and Services Branch
    DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Publishers
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Altitude > Station Height
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Precipitation > Solid Precipitation > Snow
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Precipitation > Precipitation Amount
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Precipitation > Precipitation Rate
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Precipitation > Liquid Precipitation > Rain
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Continent > North America > United States Of America
  • Ocean > Atlantic Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean > Caribbean Sea > Virgin Islands
  • Ocean > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Micronesia > Guam
  • Ocean > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > American Samoa
  • Ocean > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Micronesia > Marshall Islands
  • Ocean > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Micronesia
  • Ocean > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Micronesia > Palau
  • Ocean > Pacific Ocean > Central Pacific Ocean > Wake Island
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.
  • Use Constraints: These data are made freely available to the public and the scientific community in the belief that their wide dissemination will lead to greater understanding and new scientific insights. The availability of these data does not constitute publication of the data. NOAA relies on the ethics and integrity of the user to assure that NCDC receives fair credit for their work. If the data are obtained for potential use in a publication or presentation, NCDC should be informed at the outset of the nature of this work. If the NCDC data are essential to the work, or if an important result or conclusion depends on the NCDC data, co-authorship may be appropriate. This should be discussed at an early stage in the work. Manuscripts using the NCDC data should be sent to NCDC for review before they are submitted for publication so we can insure that the quality and limitations of the data are accurately represented.
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
Processing Steps
  • Not derived from another source.
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: 2023-06-23
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov