Cooperative Weather Observers are selected
to take and record weather observations at predetermined locations over
the 26 counties that this weather office serves. These observations are
taken to allow us and other users to define the climate for the long term.
While Cooperative observers/volunteers may take several
different kinds of observations, they usually make daily readings of maximum
and minimum temperatures and precipitation.
Observers are usually selected from permanent residents
in a community who have an interest in observing the weather, so that
a long record can be assured. Observation must be taken for seven days
a week throughout the year. The value of data is enhanced to a great extent
by the records extending over a number of years. Most cooperative observers
have served from 25 to 50 years.
A cooperative station represents an area of approximately
700 square miles in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico. This distribution
of stations varies in accordance with the topographic features of the
county. There are approximately 11,500 cooperative observers across the
United States, with 70 in the NWS Midland/Odessa County Warning Area.
Our County Warning Area and Cooperative Weather Observer
areas are identical and include these counties in Southeast New Mexico:
Eddy and Lea. In West Texas the counties are: Andrews, Borden, Brewster,
Crane, Culberson, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Howard, Jeff Davis,
Loving, Martin, Midland, Pecos, Presidio, Reagan, Reeves, Scurry, Terrell,
Upton, Ward and Winkler.
When a cooperative observer is needed, the Weather Service
provides the shelter, thermometers and rain gage. The observer takes one
observation daily, preferably near sunset, and records the data on forms
provided for this purpose. The records are forwarded to the National Weather
Service, then to a processing center at the end of the month where the
data is verified and published in a Climatological Data Bulletin for each
state and area. In conjunction with the equipment provided by the Weather
Service, routine visits by NWS personnel are done generally twice per
year. Emergency maintenance and repairs are performed when needed.
The "National Cooperative Observer Newsletter" is published
quarterly by the National Climatic Data Center and is sent to observers
in the climatic and hydrologic network. It contains information on observers
and observing procedures.
The network of cooperative observers has become rather
stable in recent years with only a few new installations added.
While age requirements of observers are not stressed,
observers must be able to assume the responsibility of recording official
observations.
National Weather Service
Midland/Odessa Weather Forecast Office
2500 Challenger Drive
Midland, Texas 79706 Webmaster