Understanding the differences between home weather stations and simple devices that monitor temperature or wind changes isn’t that easy. Most people hear weather stations and think of large installations that run with the help of dozens of employees.
The truth is that weather stations can also be residential installations comprising just a few sensors that gather and transmit data on a more localized front. The way they work is not even remotely as complex as the way they can impact our lives.
Here are a couple of things you probably didn’t know about personal weather stations and what they can do. Meteorology may sound like astrology to some, but it is actually more important than you think, even for everyday activities.
What Is Meteorology?
Meteorology is a science that we all rely on when we leave for work, make weekend BBQ plans, and when we’re planning our vacations. Meteorology is the science that tracks, gathers, analyses, and explains atmospheric conditions and the way they impact our planet, and our lives.
What Is a Weather Station?
A weather station is generally an entire facility that houses special tools and instruments which monitor weather conditions. However, the term weather station is also used to describe a personal installation that someone can use on their private property to monitor atmospheric conditions.
Personal weather stations are data gathering devices. They track and register information regarding weather patterns and the environment. They can be simple or use a wide array of sensors to record anything from pressure changes in the atmosphere to solar radiation emissions.
Weather stations can be based on either analog or digital technology. Depending on how advanced the system is, some can even be used to forecast weather conditions.
How Is a Weather Station Built?
When talking about home weather stations and not some large facility run by the government or private corporations, the units are quite simple. They comprised a collection of sensors which are capable of recording and transmitting data.
They must also have the main console which is able to digitally display the information received from the sensors, whether or not they are analog, digital, wireless. The collection of sensors and a console unit are enough to be called a weather station.
How Do Weather Stations Work?
Home weather stations operate quite simply. The instruments that make up the device collect data which they then send back to the main/central console. Most of the time, this involves sending back analog signals which then get converted into a digital format for the user to read.
Depending on the complexity of the tools, home weather stations not only can collect atmospheric data but also use it to create a forecast. This usually requires a computer and dedicated software if you’re looking for accurate predictions.
What Does the Weather Station Measure?
Home weather stations can monitor a wide range of atmospheric and terrestrial conditions. In order to do this, the installation relies on multiple instruments, specifically designed to monitor certain changes. Here are the most common instruments that are included in personal weather stations or which can be added to a premade system.
Thermometer for Measuring Air and Sea Surface Temperature
The most important aspect in any home weather stations is having a thermometer. This instrument is able to sense atmospheric temperature changes and convert that data into something you can understand. It does this by sending the collected data to a central console which you can then check out.
To make the most out of the thermometer unit, it is recommended that you provide it with radiation shielding. There are also three types of temperature sensors you should be aware of: Thermocouples, thermistors, and PTD probes.
Anemometer for Measuring Wind Speed and Wind Direction
Just like the temperature sensor, the anemometer comes in three types.
The Cup Anemometer
This instrument features three cups that measure wind speed. It also has a wind vane which can gauge the wind direction. The vane design ensures that it is pointed against the wind at all times.
To send data it transmits an analog signal directly proportional to the azimuth angle. To measure wind speed, one of the cups must always be at a 45-degree angle to the wind. Because of this, all the cups will always face towards the wind and be in a more reliable position to collect data.
Although there are cup anemometer designs that feature more than three cups they are not considered more reliable.
The Propeller Anemometer
This design features a vane and a propeller instead of cups. In this design, the vane and propeller work in tandem to determine wind speed and direction. The vane forces the propeller to face against the wind at all times.
This allows for data to be collected for maximum wind speed and direction. The output signal is once again analog and directly proportional to the azimuth angle. The most common and accurate propeller type features four blades.
The Sonic Anemometer
This design uses high antennae to collect and transmit data via ultrasonic waves. The information is gathered when the wind passes through the spaces between the antennae. Depending on the wind speed this will either slow down or speed up the ultrasonic waves.
Because of this, the anemometer is able to tell wind speed and direction, then it sends the recorded data to the central console display.
The barometer for Measuring Atmospheric Pressure
Barometers that come in personal weather stations usually contain an electronic pressure sensor. This allows it to gauge the strain of applied force in a certain area. The electrical resistivity is also measured when mechanical stress is introduced. The gathered data is sent back to the console in analog form and it is then converted to digital.
Hygrometer for Measuring Humidity
This instrument is in a sense a capacitor. In most weather stations it is located near the temperature sensor or thermometer. The hygrometer uses a dielectric polymer layer and a thin metal electrode.
These collect data from water molecules found in the air. The change in capacitance is what indicates the change in humidity. To calculate the dew point, the change in relative humidity, as well as the temperature readings captured by the thermometer, is used.
Rain Gauge for Measuring Liquid Precipitation Over a Period of Time
The most common rain gauge uses tipping bucket technology. The gauge usually has an 8-inch rain collector. For most home weather stations this is as accurate as it gets.
It works by measuring the precipitation in increments of 0.01 inches. There is also protective mesh installed to keep away debris such as insects, dust, leaves, and others that may affect the results.
Pyranometer for Measuring Solar Radiation
A pyranometer is not a standard component in most personal weather stations. However, some enthusiasts do use it in order to measure solar radiation. The instrument is a variation of an actinometer and it is tuned to measure solar irradiance and the solar radiation flux density.
While this may sound a bit overly technical, there are some areas around the world where pyranometers are important even for home weather stations. Areas that fall under thin ozone layers or even ozone holes require constant monitoring of incoming solar radiation to ensure the safety of people, animals, crops, and anything else that can be damaged.
Uses for Weather Stations
Meteorological Weather Stations
The most common use for a home weather station or a large facility for that matter is gathering and analyzing weather conditions and patterns.
Agricultural Weather Stations
A weather station can have a massive impact on the development of crops. They can be extremely handy for small-time farmers which can’t always rely on weather forecasts presented on the news. Having good information regarding wind conditions can also help predict cloud patterns or incoming waves of pollution from neighboring industrial sites.
Airport Weather Stations
Weather stations are also important in airports. The atmospheric conditions around the airfield are crucial for ensuring proper takeoffs and landings. Both the pilots and the air traffic controllers need accurate and real-time analysis of weather conditions.
The slightest changes in humidity or wind vectors can drastically change the landing procedure of large commercial aircraft. Most airports around the world rely on both regional weather data as well as localized data provided by smaller or personal weather stations.
Industrial Weather Stations
Certain factories also benefit from having their own small weather station. It can be used to monitor wind speed and direction and track weather patterns. This can impact the productivity or the actual operation of an evaporation pond or a waste treatment facility.
Hydrology Weather Stations
Reservoirs, hydroelectric power plants, water treatment facilities, these are just a few of the industries that require constant access to real-time, accurate weather conditions. Gauging the rainfall is important to predict and prevent potential floods, drought, or contamination.
Forestry Weather Stations
The forestry industry also relies on personal weather stations quite often. The data they capture can help with erosion control, maintenance, tree thinning, reforestation, and even firefighting. Monitoring weather conditions in forest areas and getting accurate results might even help prevent forest fires from starting or spreading.
Fugitive Dust Weather Stations
When you’re operating a construction site, you’re generally bound by certain regulations which lay out clear ground rules when it comes to particulate emissions. It’s easier to stay within the guidelines and track your fugitive dust emissions if you have constant access to accurate, real-time weather conditions in that area.
Why Do You Need a Weather Station?
Personal weather stations can help you be prepared for unfortunate weather conditions. As opposed to a simple weather radio, home weather stations can offer more accurate local atmospheric conditions.
Relying on regional weather forecasts is not always enough. Say you live in a state that’s known for high tornado activity. Chances are your home station will give you a more accurate prediction as to when you’re going to be hit. And, more sophisticated installations may even tell you if you’re in the path of such an event.
If you like growing food, a personal weather station could be a useful instrument. Monitoring temperature, rainfall, drought patterns, wind conditions, and even solar radiation, is essential if you want to get the most out of your crops.
This may seem a bit superficial but for some people, it matters a lot. These home weather stations aren’t just for personal safety alerts and crop security. You can use them to make sure that nothing is going to disturb your weekend barbeque party.
Not only are home weather stations accurate, but they are also very convenient. Instead of waiting around for the weather girl to tell you how the day is going to be, why not just take a glance at what your console says? How many times did it happen to you that when you got out in the rain you learned while it was raining where you were but that it wasn’t raining over the entire city?
Last but not least, if you’re passionate about meteorology, then a personal weather station is the best instruments for your hobby. You get hands-on experience with weather monitoring, one that doesn’t compare with watching the weather channel a few times per day.
Besides, you can also get readings for your immediate location without having to wait for the TV or browse different websites to compare information.
Benefits of Owning a Weather Station
- Accurate localized atmospheric data collection
- Hands-on experience with meteorological data manipulation
- Accurate alert system
- Customized alerts and notifications
- You don’t depend on regional forecasts
- Easy equipment maintenanceCultivates an interest in scientific data gathering and interpretation
- You learn more about atmospheric conditions and how they impact the surface of the planet
- You get more time to prepare for storms, tornados, potential landslides
- Real-time information on solar radiation
- You’re able to make sure that your business is operating under recommended guidelines
Installing a Weather Station
There are plenty of home weather stations designed to fit perfectly on a fencepost or a flagpole. However, most times it is better to buy a specially designed tripod to hold the entire unit. Most of them can be grounded or mounted on a rooftop.
Personal weather stations have a transmission distance limitation. When installing one, it is essential to keep track of how far away from your receiver you install it. A miscalculation can result in the console being unable to receive information from the instruments.
Weather Station Placement Tips
The location where you install your weather station is essential not only to its protection but also to the accuracy of the data collected. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re in the market for personal weather stations.
Proximity to Other Objects
A weather station should be placed in an open space. Putting it between buildings or in an alley can affect the wind direction and speed readings. There should also be plenty of distance between the unit and other tall objects such as trees, poles, buildings.
If your yard has more asphalt than gravel, you should reconsider whether or not the time is right to get a weather station. Black surfaces can seriously influence ground temperature readings as they tend to draw more sunlight.
It’s also important that a weather station is actually placed well above ground. A minimum of 5 feet distance between the station and the ground is recommended, and this includes grass.
Mind the trees
Overhangs and trees can interfere with rainfall collection data. A weather station’s placement mustn’t be obstructed if you want to get accurate rainfall and humidity information.
Weather Station Protection from the Elements
Most home weather stations can be quite sturdy. Different states have different weather conditions and you can search for stations that can resist even the harshest weather in your area. However, there are some nuisances you might have to deal with regardless of location.
Birds are very annoying and they have a habit of landing on weather station instruments. Try looking for stations that come with bird deterrents included or place your own. Another important factor is protection against debris.
While this doesn’t necessarily affect the durability of a weather station it is important if you want rainfall gauges to record accurate results. Filters and meshes should always be used to keep insects, dust, and debris from falling in the tip bucket.
The temperature sensor also needs some protective shielding. It’s generally not recommended that it stays exposed to sunlight. There should also be a ventilation system to prevent heat buildup.
There are several manufacturers that specialize in creating accurate personal weather stations for enthusiasts all around the world.
This company offers a wide range of digital home weather stations capable of tracking, gathering, and displaying atmospheric changes. Their weather stations come with instruments such as anemometers, thermometers, hygrometers, barometers, rain gauges, and pyranometers for those interested in solar radiation readings.
Ambient Weather also offers portable weather stations, software for analyzing and forecasting, and of course a wide range of sturdy mounting options. All stations and software come with detailed manuals which can help inexperienced users get accurate data. Clear indications and tips are provided for installation and maintenance of all instruments.
AcuRite’s offer features multiple innovative home weather station designs that gather data from outdoor and indoor environments. The manufacturer is quite popular partly because of the seven decades of experience in this field and also because of the high-quality equipment provided.
AcuRite makes it a point to provide accurate weather information for your backyard. Their devices also let you customize alerts and set notifications for specific weather patterns. The reliability of the data presentation is superior to what you get from regional weather forecasts, as long as you install the weather station under optimum conditions.
Davis Instruments manufactures weather and marine monitoring stations and instruments. Their weather stations are highly accurate and can help amateur meteorologists monitor the atmospheric conditions and surface in their area.
Davis Instruments devices can be used at home, on boats, pretty much in any outdoor or indoor environment. There is also a line of weather monitoring equipment that was designed to provide real-time weather conditions and forecasts for crops. Farmers who use them have a better chance of preparing for drought, heavy rainfall, or other potential problems.
La Crosse makes weather monitoring look like a high-class activity. Their products are stylish, yet the manufacturer doesn’t lose track of their purpose. All the instruments and complete digital weather stations are well-tuned and able to gather and transmit accurate information for localized weather patterns.
Whether you’re looking for individual instruments such as thermometers, rain gauges, or a complete weather station, La Crosse puts a wide range of products at your disposal. The company also has a line of weather radios in case you want to monitor incoming cold fronts and have even more time to prepare.
Netatmo offers energy and weather monitoring solutions for residential use. Their weather station design features a rain gauge, thermometer, an optional indoor module, and a wind gauge. The system is completed by smartphone alerts and notifications which are fully customizable.
Although their station design is not as elaborate as that of other manufacturers, it does look like a step in the right direction. Highly advanced devices are getting smaller by the day, and Netatmo clearly understands the need to provide compact digital solutions for residential meteorological monitoring.
Home weather stations are becoming more and more accurate and thus the demand for them is increasingly high. Because there are so many abnormal weather patterns around the globe these days, it makes sense that personal weather stations for residential use come with more and more monitoring instruments.
Although there’s nothing wrong with just using a thermometer and rain gauge for basic weather monitoring, complete stations aren’t that expensive anymore. Considering they’re built to withstand severe weather conditions, they can help you with valuable information and last for a long time.
As we conclude our guide, we invite you to look into our buying guide. In it, you’ll find helpful information on which weather stations are the best for you. Each of the weather stations is currently sold on Amazon, and you can get them at an affordable price.