Farmers are expected to be among the main users of a new network being set up in Ontario.

It’s called the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network.

It started in the U-S, has expanded into Manitoba and is now moving into Ontario.

Volunteers involved in the program post precipitation to a website every day.

That information is then made available free of charge through the website.

Ontario Volunteer Coordinator Karla Jackson says they’re looking for volunteers now to get the system up and running.

The Network will provide the equipment and training the volunteers will need.

Jackson says with more extreme weather expected the information the network collects will help improve forecast models and storm tracking.

The Ontario program has the support of Farm and Food Care Ontario and OMAF as well as the Ministries of Natural Resources, Environment and Rural Affairs.

The website for more information or to sign up is www.cocorahs.org/canada.

Ontario Volunteer Coordinator Karla Jackson is looking for volunteers with a general interest in weather across the province.

Jackson says they’re looking for people to sign-up as volunteer data collectors now.

Karla Jackson is the Ontario Volunteer Coordinator for the program.