Why The National Weather Service Doesn’t Report Detroit’s Snowfall
Have you ever noticed when you go to the National Weather Service and search for Detroit's weather, it gives you the weather at Metro Airport? I'm not going to lie, I never realized this until it was brought to my attention yesterday. Someone contacted the Detroit Free Press about how they reported the snowfall for communities in Southeast Michigan but skipped Detroit.
Apparently it's because the National Weather Service's measurements for Detroit comes from Metro Airport, which is really Romulus. They have volunteer weather spotters in other cities, except Detroit.
Sarah Schultz, a National Weather Service meteorologist in White Lake says,
"Generally, Romulus is close enough to give Detroit a number that approximates the snowfall. There's also a spotter in Grosse Point Farms, although totals didn't come from there this time."
She isn't sure why they don't have anyone taking snowfall measurements in Detroit but thinks if someone volunteers, they may add someone.
What's expected from weather spotters? Observers must report weather conditions between 6:00 - 9:00 a.m. daily. The National Weather Service says, "The report includes: 24 hour rainfall/snowfall totals, snow depth and snow water equivalents. On occasion, you may be asked for a storm report." If you're interested in becoming a weather spotter, they will provide you with the necessary equipment and training.
Sounds tempting, but I'm one of those people who uses being cold as an excuse to get out of doing anything during the winter. The last thing I'd want to do is leave my house in a snowstorm to report how much snowfall is expected. But hey, that's just me. Would you ever consider reporting weather for the Detroit area? Download the app and send us a message!