As severe weather season gets underway, the National Weather Service is looking for help of an official weather observer for Greene County.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Observation Program Leader Brad Fillbach says an observer is responsible for measuring, logging and transmitting daily temperature readings, rainfall and snowfall data to the National Weather Service. The information should be reported between 6 to 8am and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Fillbach points out that the volunteer must be located within a five-mile radius of one-mile south of Jefferson on Highway 4 to be considered for the position. He says it is due to consistency with their climatological compatibility.

All equipment needed to perform the duties will be delivered and installed at no cost to the volunteer. All maintenance and repairs will be done through the National Weather Service. Fillbach says the volunteer must have access to the internet to transmit the information or he will give them a 1-800 number to call in the daily report. He adds that this is a seven day per week position, but the individual can go on vacation. Fillbach asks that the observer has someone cover for them when they are gone to handle the reports.

The daily data is put into the local and national climate database, which is used by the National Weather Service, their partners, customers and the general public. This will also be the official weather observation site for Greene County. Fillbach says an individual or business can be the observer.

For more information or to be a weather observer, contact Fillbach at 1-800-759-9276 or email him at brad.fillbach@noaa.gov.