Questions answered in this file

Does a nearby station prove weather at the scene?

No. Station distance, terrain, elevation, and local variation limit that inference. Identify the actual observation location.

Is a missing rainfall value the same as zero?

No. Missing, trace, and zero values can have different meanings. Read the dataset documentation before interpreting them.

Can daily rain totals establish rain at an exact hour?

Not by themselves. Check the observation period and seek suitable hourly data if available.

What should I save with the data?

Save the dataset and station identifiers, retrieval details, date range, units, documentation, and any transformations used in analysis.

Can weather records prove evidence was destroyed?

Not alone. That is a case-specific causal or forensic conclusion requiring additional evidence and qualified interpretation.