Services Q&A

I want the daily rainfall for a location. Can I just call the observer and get the data?

The observers in the U.S. Cooperative Network are volunteers. We do not provide the names, addresses, or phone numbers of observers. Many observers report their observations each day (near real-time), and this data is available from the MRCC or from the National Weather Service. However, near real-time data has only minimal quality control. Other observers send their information to the local National Weather Service office once each month. All data is sent to the National Climatic Data Center where it is quality controlled.

I need climate data on a monthly basis but I don't want to have to call and order it each month. Is there way to obtain data on a regular basis?

Yes. The Midwestern Applied Climate System (MACS) is a subscription-based service that gives users access to a large variety and quantity of climate data. If your regular data needs can be met by a MACS subscription, this may be the most cost-effective way to obtain your data. Contact one of our Service Climatologists to discuss your needs. If you have data needs that cannot be met by a subscription to MACS, our Service Climatologists will work with you to determine the best means to provide you the data you require.

How do I request data from the MRCC?

There are a number of ways to request data from us. You may call us at (217) 244-8226. Our office hours are from 8:00 - 4:30 (Central Time) Monday through Friday. However, we have a voice mail system that is available 24-hours a day. You may also fax us at (217) 244-0220, or email us at mrcc@isws.illinois.edu.
No matter how you contact us, please leave us your name, telephone number (with area code), and details concerning your data request such as the date, city and state, and the weather data you are interested in (hourly, daily, monthly, temperatures, precipitation, wind speed, etc.).