CIMIS Weather Station

The California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) is an integrated network of automated active weather stations located throughout California. The system is operated by the California Department of Water Resources.

CIMIS Weather station at the District Headquarters

What is CIMIS?

CIMIS is a free service that can help water providers improve irrigation efficiency with the weather information needed for calculating water budgets.The result is improved water and energy management through efficient water irrigation practices.

How Does CIMIS Work?

CIMIS stations collect weather data that is sent to a centralized computer database. "Reference evapotranspiration" or "ETo" is calculated from this information. The daily water needs of plants can be estimated by using ETo and landscape coefficients.

From this information, a water budget irrigation schedule can be established that indicates when to irrigate and how much water to apply. This method of irrigation scheduling can reduce the amount of water applied during a season and—at the same time—improve plant growth.

Why Use CIMIS?

CIMIS can be used for resources management; local and statewide water planning; hydrological research; and air pollution monitoring.

CIMIS helps to adapt irrigation to specific climates and locations; save water, energy, and money; reduce labor, pesticide, and fertilizer costs; improve landscape appearance and health; reduce drainage and runoff; and prevent groundwater contamination

How to Access CIMIS Data

CIMIS information is available 24 hours a day on the Internet. Log in information is not required. Search and highlight the Highland Station ID number 251 and click on Run report. A weeks worth of data will be provided for weather in the city of Highland. For questions or additional assistance email the Conservation Department.