NeRAIN is a program that is designed to help citizens be more involved with monitoring the weather across Nebraska. Several hundred volunteers within the program spend a few minutes each day recording precipitation measurements and uploading them to the NeRAIN website. This data can be accessed daily through maps and reports, spanning back to 2004. You do not need an account to access this data.

New volunteers are always welcome! Anyone can participate in this project, including children, educators, agriculture professionals, producers, and those interested in the phenomenon that is Nebraska weather. The only requirements are that each volunteer report weather conditions on a routine basis and that they have a valid e-mail address to create an account. Each time a rain, hail, or snowstorm passes through the area, volunteers are asked to take measurements of precipitation, as well as hail characteristics. These measurements are used daily by scientists, crop consultants, agriculture producers, utility providers, insurance professionals, natural resource managers, and various other entities. To sign up to become a volunteer and receive a free rain gauge, please visit the NeRAIN website or stop by the NRD office to set up your account.