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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

United States Historical Climatology Network (USHCN), Version 2 (Superseded Version)

USHCN v2

**This dataset has been superseded by a newer version. This version of the data should not be used except in rare cases (e.g., when reproducing studies that used this earlier version).** The U.S. Historical Climatology Network Monthly Data, Version 2 consists of precipitation and temperature data "corrected" for changes in station location, instrumentation, and observing practices. The vast majority of stations are from the NOAA Cooperative Observer Program (COOP) Network. Stations have been selected according to coverage, length of data record and completeness, and historical stability. Data includes sets of Maximum, Minimum and Average Temperature and Precipitation data that are either (1) raw (non-adjusted though flagged for possible quality issues), (2) adjusted due to time of observation bias (TOB) or (3) put through the Pairwise Homogenization Algorithm (PHA). The data also is archived with station information and source code for reading the data.
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • NCEI DSI 6900_03
  • gov.noaa.ncdc:C00688
gov.noaa.ncdc:C00688
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Distribution Formats
  • ASCII Text
Distributor Customer Engagement Branch
DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
1-828-271-4800
ncei.orders@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact Customer Engagement Branch
DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
1-828-271-4800
ncei.orders@noaa.gov
Time Period 1891-01-01 to 2013-01-10 (time interval: 1-month)
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: 172.0
East: -66.0
South: 18.0
North: 72.0
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Associated Resources
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2007-01-01
Edition Version 2
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Complete - production of the data has been completed
Data Update Frequency Not planned
Purpose Data are adjusted to reflect a more accurate climate record, accounting for changes in instrumentation, station changes, and observation practices.
Use Limitations
  • This dataset has been superseded by a newer version. This version of the data should not be used except in rare cases (e.g., when reproducing studies that used this earlier version).
Dataset Citation
  • Cite this dataset when used as a source.
Cited Authors
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Originators
  • 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
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Maximum/Minimum Temperature
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Air Temperature
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Precipitation > Precipitation Amount
Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Essential Climate Variables (ECVs)
  • Atmospheric - Surface - Air Temperature
  • 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
Instrument keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
  • Thermometers
  • Rain Gauges
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Continent > North America > United States Of America
Project keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Project Keywords
  • HCN > Historical Climatology Network
Data Resolution keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Horizontal Data Resolution Keywords
  • Point Resolution
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Vertical Data Resolution Keywords
  • Point Resolution
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Temporal Data Resolution Keywords
  • Weekly - < Monthly
Stratum keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Vertical Location > Land Surface
Keywords
  • Metadata_Not_Published
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 data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: dataset
Lineage Statement This dataset replaced the original HCN V1 dataset in 2008 with an improved algorithm for bias adjustments. Only stations with a long period of record, high quality of observations, and consistent quality were incorporated. This version was discontinued in January 2013.
Processing Steps
  • See documentation for more information about the development of the dataset.
Source Datasets
  • Cooperative (COOP) Network raw observation data
    • Cooperative (COOP) Network raw observation data
      Source dataset landing page with general information and access links for that dataset.
    • Description of Source: Most data derives from the Cooperative Observer (COOP) Network. Only a subset of stations were used.
    • Temporal extent used: 1891 to 2013
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.
Last Modified: 2018-11-05
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.orders@noaa.gov