What to do about inaccurate Weather Station Data (precipitation)

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I looked into the rain fall data from all the iOS app preferred selectable weather stations in my area (about 25mi radius). They all report less then .5 inches of rain. I have a rain gauge tube that has 3 inches of rain in it. (and it even has a small leak).

I have considered setting up my own weather station to get good precipitation values. After reviewing the forum, I believe the rachio staff only recommends using the stations they have entered in the app. The app stations have bad data, so what are my options?

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Sometimes national weather stations, based on distance to your house or micro-climates, won’t have the most accurate data.

I have actually warmed up to PWS stations. That’s what I used last summer and was really pleased with the results.

You can actually verify the accuracy/data on a lot of the PWS stations out there. On the map screen you will see a ‘More Info’ link

Screenshot_2016-01-24-20-41-25.png1080×1920 566 KB

Tap on that, and a lot of times you can see standard deviation for the data, how long it has been transmitting, etc.

Screenshot_2016-01-24-20-42-13.png1080×1920 314 KB

This year we will have the ability to get observed precipitation with a ridiculous amount of resolution. No promises on dates, but that is the great thing about purchasing a cloud based controller, we will be able to continue to enhance with features no one has even imagined yet :wink:

Hope this helps.

:cheers:

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It’s been a while since I’ve posted here.

It’s hard to say without knowing location and siting of those rain gauges. But if you’re getting 3 inches and everyone else is getting less than 1/2" I’d suspect that your rain gauge might be in a bad location. (Like under an eve of a roof or near a channeling surface)

If you can, place the rain gauge in a yard if available 3’ above the ground and away from trees and overhead obstructions if possible.

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