NOAA Precipitation report

[Texsky]

Is the total surplus/deficit figure for the "Departure from Normal" column on the NOAA yearly report meant to be analyzed only at the conclusion of each month? The way it's set up now seems to not make the adjustment on a daily basis.

Thanks,
Bobby

[Mapantz]

It updates around midnight, each day.

[flort]

Hi Bobby,

The departure from norm is based upon the Normal Precipitation figures you enter under the NOAA Report Settings in the Cumulus Interface. As this is just a single figure for the month there is no way for Cumulus to do any sort of progressive calculations, besides the fact that rain can fall at any time during the month. For instance, it would make no sense to have a precipitation amount of 30mm and so calculate a daily average of 1mm and use that to accumulate throughout the month. What if you received 30mm on the first of the month? It would then say you have exceeded the monthly average by 29mm when in fact you've had the average rain for the month.

Regards,
Trevor

[Texsky]

Hi Trevor,

Thanks for the reply.

I guess I was expecting MX to perform it's calculation the same way NOAA/NWS does here in the States. Here's a screenshot from the report issued yesterday for the location in my area. Not sure how many weather service offices issue this report, but there are quite a few. The DFN is based on a precip average of 2.20", or thereabouts.

Take care,
Bobby

DepartureTotal.jpg