Proper Siting
The Coop network has provided climate and weather data for over 100 years. Consistency of the
measurements is an attribute of the network, and it has been maintained by rare and/or gradual
change, and established standards for exposure, of instruments over the life of the network. In
order to preserve the integrity of the network, NWS has
established standards for equipment, siting, and exposure.
Temperature sensor siting: The sensor should be mounted 5 feet +/- 1 foot above the
ground.
The ground over which the shelter [radiation] is located should be typical of the surrounding area.
A level, open clearing is desirable so the thermometers are freely ventilated by air flow. Do not
install the sensor on a steep slope or in a sheltered hollow unless it is typical of the area or
unless data from that type of site are desired. When possible, the shelter should be no closer than
four times the height of any obstruction (tree, fence, building, etc.). The sensor should be at least
100 feet from any paved or concrete surface.
Precipitation gauge siting:
The exposure of a rain gauge is very important for obtaining accurate measurements.
Gauges should not be located close to isolated obstructions such as trees and buildings, which
may deflect precipitation due to erratic turbulence.
To avoid wind and resulting turbulence problems, do not locate gauges in wide-open spaces or
on elevated sites, such as the tops of buildings.
The best site for a gauge is one in which it is protected in all directions, such as in
an opening in a grove of trees. The height of the protection should not exceed twice its
distance from the gauge. As a general rule, the windier the gauge location is, the greater the
precipitation error will be.