Using Climate Data

You don't have to be a scientist to explore and use climate data to answer questions. Here's an exercise to prove it to yourself.

Check out the following questions to find one that interests you, and then find some relevant data in the Dataset Gallery or on another site. Explore the data you find to come up with an answer for your own location.

1. Have tropical storms or hurricanes ever impacted your state?
2. Is your region currently experiencing drought? If so, is it likely to continue?
3. How much has atmospheric carbon dioxide (or another greenhouse gas) increased since you were born?
4. Which parts of Washington, D.C. will be inundated (covered with water) if sea level rises by 3 feet?
5. What are the chances that the next season will be warmer or cooler than usual?
6. By what average distance has sea level been rising each year since 1993?
7. What is the highest temperature ever recorded in your state? Where and when did it occur?
8. Which parts (if any) of the United States are experiencing flood conditions along the rivers?
9. Are there any known climate or weather hazards for your area for the next 3 to 14 days?
10. What date did volunteer Cooperative Observers begin recording weather observations in your state?