Showers and Storms in the East; Dangerously Hot and Dry in the West

Scattered showers and storms are expected across portions of the Central and Eastern U.S. through the end of the week. Meanwhile, dangerous heat will intensify across the Desert Southwest and Intermountain West. Hot, dry weather and increasing winds will allow elevated wildfire conditions to return to the northern Intermountain West, where air quality issues persist from ongoing fires. Read More >

Cooperative Observer Program

Cooperative Observer Background

What is the Cooperative Observer Program?

Becoming a Cooperative Observer

Becoming an NWS Cooperative Observer volunteer requires the following:

Dedication to public service

Attention to detail

Ability to lean and perform daily duties

Willingness to allow NWS to place measuring instruments on your property

Willingness to allow at least one visit per year from an NWS representative

Additionally, the following capabilities are useful but are not mandatory:

Ownership of a personal computer with modem and familiarity with its basic uses

Established internet access

Information on equipment used by NWS Cooperative Observers

If you are selected to become an official NWS Cooperative Station, the NWS will provide you with the training and supervision you will need to perform your duties. Depending on your stations instrumentation, your site will be visited once or twice every 12 months, and more often if unscheduled maintenance or training updates are required.

If you are interested in becoming an NWS Cooperative Observer in the NWS Aberdeen County Warning Area, please call the office at (605) 225-0519.

Cooperative Observer Sites in Our Area

Below is a list of the longest running Cooperative Observer sites in our area:

Location	Time Active
Clark, SD	1893-Present
Highmore, SD	1893-Present
Kennebec, SD	1893-Present
Milbank, SD	1893-Present
Castlewood, SD	1893-1898, 1906-present
Gann Valley, SD	1897-Present
Murdo, SD	1907-Present
Pollock, SD	1908-Present
Eureka. SD	1908-Present
Onida, SD	1913-Present
Britton, SD	1913-Present
Artichoke Lake, MN	1917-Present

Cooperative Observer Awards

Cooperative Observer Award Recipients by Year. â€‹*Note, this is not a comprehensive list.
About NWS Cooperative Observer Individual Awards

Cooperative Observer Reports

Enter the WXCoder III Site, the newest internet based reporting system for COOP Observers

ABR RSS Feed

Showers and Storms in the East; Dangerously Hot and Dry in the West

NWS Aberdeen SD - Cooperative Observer Program