PRECIPITATION INDEX ESTIMATION APPARATUS

A precipitation index estimation apparatus includes a data collection unit and an estimation processing unit. The data collection unit is configured to collect rain-related data for estimating a precipitation index indicating an intensity of precipitation within a predetermined period from vehicle state information generated in one or more vehicles. The estimation processing unit is configured to carry out a statistical processing of the collected rain-related data and estimate the precipitation index within the predetermined period. The estimation processing unit is configured to correct, before the statistical processing, a value of the rain-related data to be used for the statistical processing, according to speed of a vehicle at the time at which the rain-related data is acquired.