Comparison of Community Science Rain Gauge Measurements with Satellite Precipitation Data in Tucson, Arizona, USA

Precipitation in Tucson is highly variable, and may not be captured by the four weather stations in the city. SERI received a $100,000 grant from NASA to study precipitation in Tucson. From May, 2023 to October, 2024, community scientists measured precipitation using rain gauges. SERI compared these data to NASA satellite data and to the four weather stations in Tucson. We found no significant difference with the weather stations. However the NASA satellite data were significantly higher, which we attributed to virga, or rain that does not reach the ground.

https://www.gisjournal.us.edu.pl/index.php/gis-odyssey-journal/article/view/242