4km Monthly Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model Monthly Climate Data for the Continental United States.

This dataset was created using the PRISM (Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model) climate mapping system, developed by Dr. Christopher Daly, PRISM Climate Group director. PRISM is a unique knowledge-based system that uses point measurements of precipitation, temperature, and other climatic factors to produce continuous, digital grid estimates of monthly, yearly, and event-based climatic parameters. Continuously updated, this unique analytical tool incorporates point data, a digital elevation model, and expert knowledge of complex climatic extremes, including rain shadows, coastal effects, and temperature inversions. PRISM data sets are recognized world-wide as the highest-quality spatial climate data sets currently available. PRISM is the USDA's official climatological data. The latest snapshot of PRISM available free of charge and hosted here was developed with the AN81m method documented here: http://www.prism.oregonstate.edu/documents/PRISM_datasets.pdf