CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The National Weather Service Corpus Christi Office is seeking volunteer weather observers to join the National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Program (NWS COOP). Volunteers are needed across South Texas, especially near Goliad, Refugio, Port Lavaca, Sinton, Port Aransas, North Padre Island, Portland, Fowlerton, Tilden, Three Rivers, Whitsett, and Alice. Anyone in the Coastal Bend is invited to apply.
To be eligible, you must be willing to allow someone from the NWS to come place measuring instruments on your property. An employee will need to visit a few times a year to maintain the equipment.
Observers will collect the 24-hour precipitation and temperature data once daily. The volunteer will report observations to the NWS by 8 a.m. The NWS said it prefers at least a 3-year commitment from COOP volunteers.
Before making the commitment to volunteer, you’ll need to right environment. Usually and open field or grassy area away from trees and buildings will do.
As a COOP volunteer, you may be contacted during times of active weather to report what’s happening in your neighborhood, in real time.
To get started, fill out the interest form on the NWS COOP website.