An original PC-based software package for determining probabilities of climatic events has been developed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. ClimProb has options for 17 temperature, 6 precipitation, and 8 degree-day analyses. Output is provided in chronological order and ranked (descending) order from which probabilities are derived. The software is uniquely flexible in that it allows the user to: open a time "window" specific to their application or inquiry; read/write their input/output in either English or SI units; input temperature, precipitation, and degree day thresholds specific to their application or inquiry; view output in one of three graphical forms (time series, cumulative probability distribution, histogram); and save or print generated output.
Long-term climatological records of maximum/minimum temperature and precipitation from the NOAA/NWS Cooperative Observer Network and first order stations are used as input data. Currently there are over 800 data sets available for use with ClimProb covering the contiguous U.S.
ClimProb was initially developed to assist climate-related decision making with particular emphasis on agriculture. However, the software is now used for a multitude of purposes such as applied research, cooperative extension, and scholarly service. Niches ClimProb has found include: the USDA (Agricultural Research Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, World Agricultural Outlook Board, and Forestry Sciences Lab); land grant universities; state climate offices; and a broad range of private industries including such interests as seed dealers, crop insurance, construction, the media, commodities investment, and weather and environmental consulting.
Perhaps the most fulfilling niche for ClimProb has been the K-16 classroom. The software has been incorporated in the weather/climate curriculum in dozens of schools in and out of Nebraska. ClimProb has proved to be an excellent tool for creating an interactive learning environment in university-level climatology courses; however, schoolteachers of third-graders have even used it in their study of weather and climate.