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Frequently Asked Questions

Climate Data and Observations

This page will attempt to answer common questions relating to NWS and climate data. FAQs relating to climate in general, climate prediction, and climate training can be found by clicking the links on the left or at the bottom of this page.

Where can I obtain climate and weather data?
Where can I get certified weather and climate data?
How do recent months rank historically in terms of temperature and precipitation?
How can I ensure that my weather station meets NWS guidelines?
Where can I get information about the Cooperative Observer Program (COOP), including day to day operations, volunteering, instrument and site standards, submitting observation reports, modernization development plans, etc?
What climate monitoring products does NWS produce?
Is there one single source for identifying environmental data products and services in general?
Who can I contact about a specific data or monitoring product?

Question 1: Where can I obtain climate and weather data?

Answer: Current weather and preliminary climate data for the recent past are generally available from your local Weather Forecast Office. You can find your local WFO by clicking here.

The repository for all official NOAA climate data is the National Climatic Data Center. NCDC’s customer service department can be reached via phone at 828-271-4800. Many products are also available online and can be accessed by clicking here.

Additionally, the NWS Climate Prediction Center archives recent climate data including drought, temperature and precipitation, and ocean temperatures. Click here to visit CPC for a complete list of monitoring products.

If regional or local expertise is needed, the Regional Climate Centers or your local State Climatologist can be contacted. The RCCs can be accessed by clicking here.

State Climatologists can be identified and contacted by clicking here.

Climate information can also be provided by non-NOAA’s providers. For a complete list of these providers, click here.

Question 2: Where can I get certified weather and climate data?

Answer: The only NOAA source for certified meteorological data is the National Climatic Data Center. NCDC's customer service department can be reached via phone at (828) 271-4800.

Question 3: How do recent months rank historically in terms of temperature and precipitation?

Answer: The NWS Climate Prediction Center maintains information about trends over the U.S. and how they compare to average conditions. That information can be found here.

NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center also tracks national and global trends. Information can be found here.

Question 4: How can I ensure that my weather station meets NWS guidelines?

Answer: NWS has guidelines for equipment, siting, and exposure that can be accessed here.

Question 5: Where can I get information about the Cooperative Observer Program (COOP), including day to day operations, volunteering, instrument and site standards, submitting observation reports, modernization development plans, etc?

Answer: COOP program information is available by clicking here.

Question 6: What NWS climate monitoring products does NWS produce?

Answer: The Climate Prediction Center monitors tropical Pacific sea surface temperature, U.S. drought conditions, and U.S. temperature and precipitation, among many other conditions. Click for an overview of monitoring products or a complete list of monitoring products.

Question 7: Is there one single source for identifying environmental data products and services in general?

Answer: NOAA and NWS are sources for a variety of environmental data but there is no one-stop shopp on the web to identify all environmental data and services. One good source for a lot of this data is the U.S. Navy's Master Environmental Library.

Question 8: Who can I contact about a specific data or monitoring product?

Answer: You can contact staff members of the NWS Climate Services Division listed here or contact your local NWS field office.

This page is maintained by NWS/OCWWS Climate Services Division