How do I get started?

First, you'll need to apply. Just use the APPLY button above, fill out the form, and someone will get back to you. We are looking for watchers throughout Central Texas, so it's a pretty simple approval process.

How to I install my rain gauge and thermometer

Select and properly locate a rain gauge and hi/low thermometer for daily readings. You can use anything from that old analog frog rain gauge to data from a complete home weather station. We recommend the official CoCoRAHS gauge. When placing, make sure trees and fences, for example, don't block the view of your rain gauge. Multiply the height of the nearest, tallest object near the observation site by two, then place the rain gauge at least that far away for best accuracy. For thermometers, a "hi/low" thermometer is one that "remembers" the most recent maximum and minimum readings, in addition to showing the current reading. Remember that the sun heats the ground and the ground heats the air, so avoid direct sunlight! We want to measure the ambient air temperature. Avoid mounting thermometers near roofs, bricks, or large dark or you'll risk running too warm. Air should always be able to flow freely around the thermometer.

When do I send in my reports?

Please provide a daily report at about the same time each day, whatever works best with your schedule. Check your rain gauge for any precip, making sure to reset it for tomorrow. Note the high, low, and current temperatures. If your weather station is so equipped, we'll happily take any other weather readings, too! On heavy rain days, remember to reset the gauge more often to keep it from flowing over. Be sure to let us know if you saw hail or any other form of precipitation, too, and note the size when possible.

Will I see my report on YNN?

Log on to http://austin.ynn.com/content/weather_watchers to submit your WeatherWatcher report. The most reliable and consistent WeatherWatchers will be featured most frequently on 'Weather on the Eights.' If there's any reason to suspect any data might be inaccurate for any reason, please don't submit it. Have a photo of the day to share? Use the upload tool and you might see it on the air!

Will I see my report online?

Your report will show up almost immediately on the "Active Reports" Weather Watcher homepage.

Which weather instruments do you use at News 8?

We are on the Texas Weather Instruments WPS platform. There is a wide variety of choices available online. You can spend less than $50 and get a simple rain gauge and thermometer, or spend more than $1,000 for a complete system with constant reporting to a panel in your home.

I still have questions. Who do I ask?

Please email weather8@ynn.com if you have questions. Someone will get back to you.