Stratus Professional Weather Rain Gauge with 0.01 Inch Accuracy
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⛈️ Summer Storm Season Is Here — Know Exactly How Much Rain Fell
Stratus® Precision Rain Gauge — 0.01" Accuracy | CoCoRaHS Official | Made in USA
The Stratus® is the official rain gauge of the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) — the largest volunteer weather observer network in North America, endorsed by NOAA. When accuracy matters for irrigation scheduling, garden planning, or contributing to real weather science, this is the gauge serious observers trust.
Measures to 0.01-inch precision — ten times more accurate than standard 0.1" gauges. Clear graduated tube with funnel top design maximizes rain collection. Weather-resistant construction built for year-round outdoor use. Made in USA.
Why 0.01" accuracy matters: A standard gauge rounds to the nearest tenth of an inch. The Stratus reads to the nearest hundredth — the difference between knowing you got 0.4" of rain and knowing you got 0.43". For irrigation scheduling, that precision changes whether you water today or skip it.
Key Specifications
- Accuracy: 0.01 inch (hundredths) precision
- Design: Clear graduated inner tube with wide-mouth funnel top
- Construction: Weather-resistant, UV-stable plastic
- Certification: Official CoCoRaHS gauge — NOAA observer network
- Origin: Made in USA
- Use: Outdoor rainfall measurement for gardens, farms, and weather stations
Key Benefits
- CoCoRaHS Official Gauge — The gauge NOAA-endorsed volunteer observers use nationwide
- 0.01" Precision — Ten times more accurate than standard rain gauges
- Easy-to-Read Graduated Scale — Clear markings for quick, accurate readings at a glance
- Wide-Mouth Funnel Top — Maximizes rain collection surface for accurate measurement
- Weather-Resistant — Built to withstand outdoor conditions season after season
- Made in USA — Quality American manufacturing
Professional vs. Decorative: What's the Difference?
| Feature | Decorative / Digital Gauge | Stratus® Precision Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | 0.1" or estimated | 0.01" precision |
| CoCoRaHS approved | No | Yes — official gauge |
| NOAA observer use | No | Yes |
| Funnel collection design | Rarely | Yes — maximizes accuracy |
| Made in USA | Rarely | Yes |
| Battery required | Often | No — passive, always on |
How to Read a Rain Gauge Accurately
Reading a rain gauge correctly matters as much as the gauge itself. The most common mistakes: reading at an angle (parallax error), not emptying after each rain event, and placing the gauge too close to trees or structures. The Stratus® graduated tube is designed to minimize parallax error — read at eye level with the bottom of the meniscus (the curved water surface) for the most accurate result.
Tomatoes need 1–2" of water per week. Lawns need about 1". Knowing your exact rainfall total tells you exactly how much supplemental irrigation your garden needs — no guessing.
Perfect For
- CoCoRaHS volunteer weather observers
- Home gardeners tracking rainfall for irrigation scheduling
- Farmers and market gardeners monitoring field conditions
- Backyard weather station enthusiasts
- Irrigation system management and scheduling
- Schools and educational weather monitoring programs
- Anyone who wants to know exactly how much rain fell — not approximately
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most accurate rain gauge for home use?
The Stratus® Precision Rain Gauge measures to 0.01-inch accuracy — the same standard used by CoCoRaHS volunteer observers and NOAA-endorsed weather networks. It is the most accurate manual rain gauge available for home and garden use.
Is the Stratus rain gauge CoCoRaHS approved?
Yes. The Stratus® is the official gauge of the CoCoRaHS network — the largest volunteer precipitation monitoring network in North America, supported by NOAA.
How do I read a rain gauge accurately?
Place the gauge in an open area away from trees and structures. After a rain event, read the water level at eye level, measuring from the bottom of the meniscus (the curved water surface). Empty the gauge after each reading. The Stratus graduated tube is designed to minimize parallax error for accurate at-a-glance readings.
How is the Stratus different from a digital rain gauge?
Digital gauges require batteries, can malfunction in extreme temperatures, and often measure in 0.1" increments. The Stratus is passive (no batteries), reads to 0.01" precision, and never loses data during a power outage or battery failure.
How much rain do tomatoes need per week?
Tomatoes need 1–2 inches of water per week. Knowing your exact rainfall total with a precision gauge tells you exactly how much supplemental watering your garden needs.
Learn More
- How to Read a Rain Gauge Accurately — Tom's Step-by-Step Guide
- Stratus vs. Standard Rain Gauges — What's the Difference?
- Stratus® Complete Resource Hub — All Guides & Resources
Also Need a Replacement Tube?
Keep a spare on hand. The Stratus® Replacement Measuring Tube is available separately — the same precision-graduated tube used in the original gauge. Made in USA.