Local Climatological Data Version 2 (LCDv2) reports are concise monthly summaries of hourly, daily, and monthly weather station measurements. These summaries include temperature, precipitation, humidity, and common weather observation types. LCDv2 replaces LCDv1, providing some additional data elements and coverage from a greater number of weather stations.
LCDv2 data come from U.S. observation systems such as Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) and Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) stations, as well as a limited number of international stations located at U.S. airforce bases.
Hourly and daily observations are derived from the Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCNh and GHCNd). In contrast, the original LCD (v1) utilized standard U.S. units and obtained its data from obtained its data from the Integrated Surface Dataset (ISD), which was discontinued in August 2025.
How do I access and order LCD data?
Search and Order
Use the LCD Interactive Map or Dataset Search tool to find stations in a specific area or region or stations with a specific variable. The interactive map is best for location based searches, while the Dataset search is a good option for mobile devices or assistive technology such as a screen reader. Both tools allow you to order certified PDFs.
Bulk Download
LCDv2 CSV plain text data files provide access to the digitized data in International Standard (SI) / metric units contained in the dynamic LCD forms. To download the files, right click on the filename and select “Save As.” The CSV files can be easily opened in Microsoft Excel.
Please note: NCEI can only certify PDF summaries of LCD data.
What kinds of data do LCD stations measure?
LCD stations measure many common weather variables, including:
Not every station has the same set of variables, and some may have data gaps, or limited periods of record.
How do I cite the data?
Cite as: Kantor, Diana; Casey, Nancy W.; Menne, Matthew J.; Buddenberg, Andrew. 2023. Local Climatological Data (LCD), Version 2. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/iso?id=gov.noaa.ncdc:C01689. [access date]
How are LCD data structured and organized?
LCDv2 forms contain sections for: Daily Summaries, Hourly Observations, and Hourly/Short Term Duration Precipitation. Some stations will contain all data sections.
Daily Summaries
One-page overview of temperature and other climate variables (depending on the station) with data for every day of that month.
Hourly Observations
Weather observations for every hour within your selected timeframe.
Note: hourly observations can be hundreds of pages long. If you need to order certified hourly data, only choose the days you need. Please contact us if you have questions
Hourly Precipitation
One-page overview of precipitation measurements for each hour of every day in the selected time frame. Hourly records a row for Maximum Short Duration precipitation values at the bottom of the page.
Older Versions
How do I order LCDv1 Data?
Data are available based on when the station began collecting data until 29 August 2025. This dataset is deprecated, and will no longer receive updates.
Data Sample
The LCD product consists of four form types (Daily Summary, Hourly Observations, Hourly Precipitation, Maximum Short-duration Precipitation). These forms are not populated for every station. Data in these forms also are available in CSV format. View an LCD sample before accessing the data.
CSV Files
LCD CSV plain text data files provide access to the digitized data contained in the dynamic LCD forms. To download the files, right click on the filename and select “Save As.” The CSV files can be easily opened in spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
How do I order data from a specific station?
- Use the search bar in the top-center of the LCD Interactive Map to search for a location.
- Select the wrench icon ('Map Tools' if using a screen reader) beside the 'Local Climatological Data' layer in the top left corner of the page to open the LCD Tools panel
- Use the 'i' (identify) tool to select a single station
- Use the other tools (location, rectangle, polygon, proximity) to list and/or choose multiple stations.
- After selecting, review the station(s) results on the left side of the map. Use the 'View Station Details’ button to review information about that station in a new tab.
- To order data, return to the map tab and select the box next to any stations you want to include in the order, or choose ‘Select All’ above the station list.
- Click ‘Add to Cart’ to start the order process. The order screen will open in a new tab.
- Choose the data format (pdf if the data needs to be certified for litigation or other reasons)
- Choose a date/time frame. Before ordering certified data, review the price chart.
- Submit and wait for email confirmation that your order has been received. You’ll receive another confirmation when your data is ready to download.
