Frequently Asked Questions

Our rainfall measurement data is highly accurate, using professional-grade weather stations and multiple data sources. We aggregate data from meteorological services, weather stations, and satellite imagery to provide measurements accurate to within 0.1 inches (2.5mm). For agricultural and gardening applications, this level of precision is more than sufficient for irrigation planning and crop management.

Rainfall can be measured in both inches and millimeters. One inch of rainfall equals 25.4 millimeters. In the United States, inches are commonly used, while most other countries use millimeters. Our app supports both units and automatically converts between them. As a reference: light rain is typically 0.01-0.1 inches (0.25-2.5mm), moderate rain is 0.1-0.3 inches (2.5-7.6mm), and heavy rain is over 0.3 inches (7.6mm) per hour.

For optimal garden management, check rainfall data daily during growing seasons. Most vegetables need 1-1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. If your area received less than this amount, you'll need to supplement with irrigation. During dry spells, check twice daily to plan watering schedules. Our app's historical data helps you understand seasonal patterns and plan accordingly.

Rainfall can vary significantly even within short distances due to topography, elevation, proximity to water bodies, and local weather patterns. Mountains cause orographic lift, creating more precipitation on windward slopes. Urban heat islands can enhance or suppress rainfall. Even a few miles can show different totals during localized storms. This is why location-specific data is crucial for accurate irrigation and agricultural planning.

Track weekly rainfall totals and compare them to your crops' water requirements. Most crops need 1-2 inches per week. Calculate the deficit by subtracting actual rainfall from required amounts. Factor in soil type (sandy soils drain faster), temperature (heat increases evaporation), and growth stage (flowering plants need more water). Use our historical data to identify dry periods and plan irrigation schedules accordingly.

For manual rain gauge readings, measure at the same time daily for consistency. Early morning (around 7-8 AM) is ideal because it captures overnight precipitation and allows for daily planning. Official weather stations typically report daily totals at midnight or 7 AM local time. Our app provides 24-hour rolling totals, so you can check accumulated rainfall at any time with real-time updates.

Temperature affects precipitation type and measurement accuracy. Below 32°F (0°C), precipitation falls as snow, which has a different water equivalent than rain. Snow generally contains 10-15% of the water that rain of the same depth would contain. High temperatures can cause evaporation from rain gauges, leading to underestimation. Our system accounts for temperature variations and provides water-equivalent measurements regardless of precipitation type.

Absolutely! Our rainfall data is perfect for water conservation planning. Track seasonal patterns to identify wet and dry periods, calculate rainwater harvesting potential for your roof area, plan drought-resistant landscaping, and optimize irrigation schedules. Historical data helps you understand long-term trends and plan water storage accordingly. Every inch of rain on a 1,000 sq ft roof yields about 600 gallons of collectible water.