Rain Can Be Hit or Miss – Especially During Summer Monsoons
A little red-headed girl once sang “The sun will come out tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there’ll be sun…” Since many areas in Arizona receive over 300 sunny days a year, the state certainly lives up to the sunshine in the song. But what about rainfall? Have you noticed it can be very localized, especially during the summer monsoon season? According to the National Weather Service, 6.04” of rain have fallen in Mesa so far in 2024. My home, in the west part of the city, has received 4.21” – almost 2 inches less!
How Does It Work
How do I know such an accurate rainfall total at my home? It’s because I participate in a citizen science project called Rainlog.org. Now, don’t let “science project” bring back dark memories of your 10th grade chemistry class. There is no studying involved and you won’t be graded. Citizen science projects are simply collaborations between scientists and those who are concerned about the environment (or just curious) and want to make a difference.
Participants of Rainlog.org keep track of the amount of rainfall that occurs in their own yards in a 24-hour period. This amount (or “data” if you don’t mind getting technical) is entered into the website to help create a better picture of rainfall patterns across the Southwest. This is important because water managers, weather reporters, drought planners, and scientists monitor precipitation amounts to help with watershed management activities and drought planning. Rainlog.org is a collaborative effort, working with partners like Salt River Project, Arizona Department of Water Resources, and the University of Arizona.
How Can You Help
Participating in Rainlog.org is easy, and free. First, set up an account on Rainlog.org with your email and a personal login on either a computer or smart phone. Then, all you need is a rain gauge. I use a simple one purchased at the local hardware store that is attached to my back fence. Each morning after it rains, simply check the rain gauge and enter the amount received into your account. All information is displayed on an interactive map and you’ll see how rainfall can differ from one area to another. Rainlog.org lets you easily download your amount (the data) and compare it by month, season, even year-over-year. Plus, you’ll get a statewide monthly report delivered straight to your inbox, keeping you up-to-date on rainfall patterns.
Rainlog.org is a great way to lend a helping hand to the environment, while contributing to scientific research. By submitting your rainfall totals, you are helping scientists better understand our changing weather. Their insights can lead to solutions to potential problems and to better decisions regarding the management of our natural resources. If that isn’t cool enough, keep in mind that kids of all ages can participate! My daughter loves checking the rain gauge after a storm – it’s a great way to get kids engaged in science and nature.
Join your fellow Arizonans and set up an account today on Rainlog.org. Who knows, maybe this monsoon season we’ll all be singing “Raindrops keep falling on my head…”
More about Rainlog.org
Rainlog.org is a free, statewide citizen science project open to all ages. By reporting rainfall amounts you measure at home, you contribute valuable data that creates a clearer picture of rain patterns across the state. The information is used by water managers and other organizations to make informed decisions about our water resources. The website also offers Tips on Choosing a Rain Gauge.
Kathrine Blomquist recently worked with the City of Mesa (one of 19 Water– Use It Wisely partners) assisting residential, HOA, and commercial customers with water-efficiency incentive programs. Kathrine is a Mesa resident and community volunteer, is compassionate about the environment, and enjoys helping others learn about and engage in conservation practices.
Monsoon Melodies Play List: We Water – Use It Wisely editors can’t help ourselves. What a coincidence that our writer started and ended her blog with song lyrics! Rain and monsoons are music to our ears! That’s why we have curated a special playlist of Monsoon ‘rain songs’ on Spotify. Check it out!
We also think you will enjoy these pages and blogs:
- Why Pay for Water When It’s Free? All about rainwater harvesting.
- Top 5 Reasons to Collect Rainwater for Your Landscape
- Prepare for Monsoon Season with These 5 Landscape Tips