BROOKINGS - SDSU Extension is looking for South Dakotans to join a national network of volunteer precipitation observers to track rain, hail and snow across the state.

State Climatologist Dennis Todey says the Community Collaborative Rain Hail and Snow Network is looking for people who enjoy measuring precipitation and are willing to report it on the Internet.

Todey says that even with all of the weather technology available, climatologists need on-the-ground measurements from across the state to tell them what is really happening.

SDSU Extension Climate Field Specialist Laura Edwards says if people can say how many days they've gone without rainfall, it helps officials document drought conditions.

Volunteers must be willing to take morning precipitation readings using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge and report the events.

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