Frequently Asked Questions
What are climate normals and how are they different from weather forecasts?
Climate normals are 30-year statistical averages of temperature, precipitation, and other weather variables for a location. They describe typical conditions over time — not a prediction of what will happen on any given day. Weather forecasts predict short-term conditions; climate normals describe long-term patterns.
Where does PlainClimate's data come from?
All data comes from the NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This is the official 30-year climatological dataset for the United States, updated every 10 years.
Why does PlainClimate cover 1991–2020 instead of more recent years?
Climate normals are calculated every decade over a 30-year period. The 1991–2020 normals are the current official standard set by NOAA. The next update — covering 2001–2030 — is expected around 2031. We will update when NOAA publishes the new dataset.
My city shows multiple weather stations. Which one should I use?
Most cities list several stations. Airport stations (marked USW) typically have the longest, most complete records and are considered the primary station for that city. Cooperative observer stations (USC) may be closer to residential areas but often have fewer variables recorded.
Can I use PlainClimate data for planning a move, vacation, or outdoor project?
Yes — climate normals are ideal for understanding long-term typical conditions in a place. They are commonly used for relocation research, vacation planning, and general climate comparisons. For specific day-to-day planning, check a weather forecast service.
Why is data missing for some variables at my city or station?
Not every station records every variable. Smaller cooperative observer stations typically report only temperature and precipitation. Wind speed, humidity, and snow data are more commonly available at larger airport-class (USW) stations.
Is PlainClimate affiliated with NOAA or the U.S. government?
No. PlainClimate is an independent information service built by Kiznis.Studio. We present NOAA data in a more accessible format but are not affiliated with NOAA, NCEI, or any government agency. For authoritative data, visit ncei.noaa.gov.