For more than a decade, IBSS has supported NOAA’s Office of Water Prediction by managing and modernizing vast datasets that capture the history of precipitation across the United States. Our team has collected and quality controlled over 100 years of precipitation data from more than 100,000 locations ensuring that every record is accurate, consistent, and ready to inform the nation’s next generation of weather infrastructure.

Turning History into Forecast

Weather doesn’t happen in isolation. Each storm, drought, and flood builds on the atmospheric patterns of the past. By analyzing historical records, scientists can identify how precipitation intensity, frequency, and duration have changed across regions and decades. These long-term datasets serve as a foundation for projects like Atlas 15, the next-generation precipitation frequency framework being developed by IBSS in collaboration with NOAA.

Atlas 15 blends historical observations with state-of-the-art modeling to deliver the most comprehensive, high-resolution understanding of precipitation extremes to date. The results will guide how communities design stormwater systems, build flood defenses, and plan infrastructure capable of withstanding future events. In short, the data collected yesterday helps engineers design for tomorrow.

Why Historical Data Still Matters

In an era of advanced modeling and real-time satellite imagery, it’s easy to overlook the value of century-old weather logs. Yet historical data remains one of the most powerful tools in modern forecasting. It provides the context that helps scientists distinguish between natural variability and long-term change.

These records enable researchers to:

• Detect shifting rainfall patterns and identify regional trends.
• Assess how the frequency and severity of storms have evolved.
• Calibrate predictive models to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Inform infrastructure standards that protect communities for decades to come.

When viewed together, these datasets form a continuous thread of understanding, one that connects the storms of the past to the forecasts of the future.

Data That Drives Resilience

The insights derived from this data extend far beyond meteorology. Reliable precipitation frequency estimates influence public safety, economic resilience, and even environmental sustainability. Civil engineers use this information to design drainage systems and bridges that can withstand heavy rain events. Emergency planners use it to identify flood-prone areas and develop mitigation strategies.

For communities, the results are tangible: fewer disruptions, stronger infrastructure, and safer lives. By making historical data more accessible and usable, IBSS helps decision makers move from reactive response to proactive resilience.

The Future of Weather Data

The next frontier lies in integrating historical records with predictive modeling and future scenario analysis. Through Atlas 15, IBSS is extending its work to include projections to the end of the century providing insight into how precipitation patterns may shift under evolving atmospheric conditions.

This forward-looking approach ensures that the systems designed today will remain effective in the decades ahead. Whether it’s safeguarding infrastructure, improving water management, or supporting emergency response, the intersection of historical data and future modeling is where science meets real-world impact.

Prepared for What Comes Next

At IBSS, every dataset we manage and every model we refine is focused on one goal: actionable insight. By turning historical precipitation records into reliable forecasts, we help NOAA, engineers, and planners make informed decisions that protect communities, strengthen infrastructure, and improve resilience. When data meets the storm, the result is preparedness built on evidence, not guesswork.

About IBSS 

Since 1992, IBSS has provided transformational consulting services to the Federal defense, civilian, and commercial sectors. Our services include cybersecurity and enterprise information technology, environmental science and engineering (including oceans, coasts, weather, and satellite), and professional management services.

Our approach is to serve our employees by investing in their growth and development. As a result, our employees bring greater capabilities and provide an exceptional level of service to our clients. In addition to creating career development opportunities for our employees, IBSS is passionate about giving back to the community. We strive to leave something better behind for the next generation.

We measure our success by the positive impact we have on our employees, clients, partners, and the communities we serve. Our tagline, Powered by Excellence, is a recognition of the employees that make up IBSS and ensures we deliver results with quality, applying industry best practices and certifications. Read more About Us.

Keywords: Weather Preparedness, Atlas 15, NOAA, Weather Forecasting, Weather Prediction