Louisiana Volunteer Measures Record 29 Inches of Rainfall

Matt Carnicle didn't wake up on June 18th expecting to make history, but the rain gauge in his backyard told a different story.

The Louisiana volunteer measured a staggering 29.06 inches of rainfall in less than 12 hours, shattering the state's 1962 record of 22 inches in 24 hours. His measurement marks the kind of extreme weather event scientists say happens less than once in a thousand years.

"I didn't sign up to try to measure a new record or anything," Matt said. "I'm just a regular guy who likes to track the weather."

Matt volunteers with CoCoRaHS, a NASA-sponsored network where everyday citizens measure rain, hail, and snow in their backyards. Thousands of volunteers across the country submit daily precipitation reports that scientists use to improve weather forecasting, trigger flash flood warnings, and manage water resources.

He joined through a storm-spotter class and learned about NASA's hail research project in the Gulf States. The agency uses volunteer reports and photos to study how hailstones melt between the time satellites spot them in clouds and when they hit the ground.

Matt went beyond hail spotting and purchased a standardized rain gauge approved by the National Weather Service. These manual gauges measure precipitation to the nearest hundredth of an inch, providing the accuracy scientists need for reliable data.

Louisiana State Climatologist Jay Grymes validated Matt's measurement alongside National Weather Service representatives. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration committee will officially verify the new record in the coming months.

The Ripple Effect

Every measurement Matt and his fellow volunteers submit becomes part of a larger picture. These backyard observations fill critical gaps between official weather stations, helping forecasters spot dangerous conditions faster and warn communities earlier.

The CoCoRaHS network proves that ordinary people can contribute to extraordinary science. Volunteers of all ages participate, turning daily weather observations into data that protects lives and advances our understanding of climate patterns.

Anyone can join Matt and become part of this nationwide effort with just a proper rain gauge and commitment to daily measurements.

You might just catch the next record-breaking weather event in your own backyard.