Weather Station

A weather station or weather forecaster is a device that collects data related to the weather and environment using different instruments. Weather station sensors include a thermometer to take temperature readings, a barometer to measure the pressure in the atmosphere, a hygrometer to measure the humidity. Some include other sensors to measure rainfall, wind direction and wind speed.

Weather Stations are used by meteorologists, weather buffs, gardeners, farmers, outdoor enthusiasts, students, pilots and anyone who enjoys weather data or relies on the weather to make decisions. Weather stations range from simple but reliable analog technology to digital technology. The collected data can be used to gauge current weather conditions and to predict the future weather forecast.

Types of Instruments and their functions:

• Thermometer - A thermometer measures temperature. Some weather stations measure both the temperature indoors and outdoors, record highs and lows, show trend arrows to indicate temperature rising or falling, and even predict short-term future temperature ranges.
• Hygrometer - A hygrometer measures relative humidity. Relative humidity is the quantity or percentage of water vapor (water in gas form) in the air. Humidity influences environmental factors and calculations like precipitation, fog, dew point and heat index. In addition, maintaining proper humidity indoors has implications for your health and home.
• Barometer - A barometer measures atmospheric pressure. A barometer can help to forecast upcoming weather based on the changes it measures in the atmospheric pressure. Some weather stations feature a barometric pressure history chart or a pressure trend arrow so you can easily track changes, like a pressure drop.
• Anemometer - An anemometer measures how fast the wind is blowing, or wind speed. Some weather stations can display wind speed in MPH, KPH or knots, and record current, peak and average wind speed readings.
• Wind Vane - A wind vane, or weather vane, is an instrument that determines which direction the wind is blowing. Some weather stations display this information using a 16 point wind rose.
• Rain Gauge - A rain gauge measures rainfall or liquid precipitation. Some weather stations include rainfall alerts to notify you when a rain event has begun, or to alert you of potential flood conditions.