Rain Gauges And Other Weather Instruments

Knowing current weather conditions and predicting future weather patterns may seem like work reserved for a meteorologist, but that just isn't so. The average person can gather instruments that can do those things and more. Some of the basic instruments needed to accurately record the weather include rain gauges, an anemometer (also called a wind gauge), a thermometer, a barometer and a weather vane.

Standard eight inch rain gauges consist of a receiving funnel, a measuring tube and a measuring stick. It is usually supported on a wood or metal post or stand. The measuring stick is marked in tenths of an inch, hundreds of an inch and whole. To get an accurate rainfall measurement, you simply place the measuring stick inside the measuring tube and read the amount on the stick.

A device used to measure the speed of the wind is called an anemometer, or wind gauge. In its most basic form, it is a cup anemometer, consisting of four hemispherical shafts mounted horizontally on a vertical shaft. Wind gauges can be separated into two broad groups: hand-held and fixed. A hand-held anemometer will typically only display the current wind strength. A fixed wind gauge measures the wind speed at a given location in addition to providing historical measurements, such as maximum gust and average wind speed.

A thermometer is, of course, used to measure the temperature. Thermometers have progressed tenfold since the days of a simple mercury thermometer. Now wireless is hugely popular, since from the comfort of your favorite armchair, you can check the current, minimum or maximum temperatures and have it displayed in Celsius or Fahrenheit. A rain gauge thermometer is also available that takes temperature readings as well as a rainfall measurement.

A barometer measures the atmospheric pressure and can be used to see if the pressure is falling or rising or is steady; thus providing a good indicator of the weather in the near future. Barometers are so much more than a weather instrument, however. They can truly be a work of art. Ornamental barometers add beauty and elegance to the walls of many homes. As with most things, technology has caught up with barometers too, so digital barometers are now widely available and just as in the instruments above, can be used to measure atmospheric changes; aiding in a more accurate picture of the coming weather.

A weather vane's job, simply put, is to measure and gauge from which direction the wind is blowing, which is a key element to any weather forecast. As with a barometer, they can also be a beautiful addition to your garden or pergola roof top. There are an almost unlimited range of designs styles to choose from; the more popular styles include birds, animals, sports and others. There are craftsmen out there who can provide you with your very own hand crafted, specialty weather vane.

Weather stations typically bundle several, if not all of these instruments together so that they get a better overall picture of current weather conditions, as well as to predict future occurrences. Wind gauges, rain gauges, weather vanes, anemometers and barometers can each provide you with a glimpse of what is going on right outside your door. Whether you are planning a picnic or unsure of whether you can get your lawn mowed before the rain comes, each of these tools can help you through your day.