L.A. Pierce College weather station marks 75 years of service as a climate witness, public resource, and hands-on Science lab

Woodland Hills, CA — The L.A. Pierce College Weather Station that documented Los Angeles’ all-time record-breaking 121-degree heat in 2020 will turn 75 years old this monthand the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will honor its contributions to weather tracking and climate science at a special 75th Anniversary Event on Thursday, November 14, 2024, giving the public an opportunity to see this historic station up close and learn how it’s shaped our understanding of climate right here in Los Angeles.

One of the premier National Weather Service's (NWS) COOP Weather Stations in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC) Weather Station has been much more than a place to check the temperature—it’s been Southern California’s witness to climate change and a one of-a-kind outdoor classroom. The NWS stores our data and disseminates the data to federal, state, and local agencies to aid in weather forecasting and maintaining critical, continuous climate records. LAPC Weather Station data has tracked everything from record-breaking 121- degree heat in 2020 to subtle shifts in rainfall patterns, helping scientists, Pierce college students and the public understand how climate change impacts Southern California.

Our weather station provides L.A. Pierce College students with world class data taken from outside their own classrooms. Students on campus may then use this data in their Earth Science, Environmental Science, Meteorology, and Oceanography classes to advance their understanding of our dynamic planet and its changing weather and climate. “The Pierce weather station isn’t just a piece of history; it’s a living resource for students and our community,” said L.A. Pierce College President Aracely Aguiar. “We’re honored to celebrate its 75th anniversary with NOAA and to continue using it as a tool to inspire the next generation of climate leaders.”

The 75th-anniversary celebration will feature remarks from climate and education leaders, a guided tour of the station, and stories from the station’s history as a pioneer in automated weather tracking. Join us for a look back at one of California’s longest-running climate observers and its ongoing role in driving climate awareness and education.