2021 Top Weather Stations With Lightning Detectors Built-In
Whether you’re using it for business or leisure, weather stations with lightning detectors might just be one of the best purchases you ever make! As you know, at Weather Stationary we live and breathe weather and gadgets. So, after our hugely successful Solar-Powered Weather Stations Buying Guide our team of experts decided to dig into weather stations with lightning detectors.
Okay, maybe I’m a little biased… but still. The added function of lightning detection has become more desirable over the last decade or so, and it’s no surprise.
Some people are simply weather enthusiasts, (like me!) Others, particularly those who work outdoors or have outdoor hobbies, may have specific uses for them. We’ll come back to how it works, and some use cases after the product recommendations.
And, before we jump in, I feel it’s worth pointing out that this article is not sponsored by AcuRite! It is simply the case that they offer the best range of weather stations with lightning detectors.
So without further ado…
At A Glance: Best Weather Station With Lightning Detector
Last update on 2024-12-21
If you’re in a rush, this table is a really good starting point with links to Amazon for products at each price point. The most popular choice is, unsurprisingly, the 01022M — which is my top pick too, in terms of value for money.
Read on to learn more about each of these amazing products!
Home Weather Station With Lightning Detectors
AcuRite 01022M Pro Weather Station Detector (01022), Lightning Detection
Last update on 2024-12-21
Acurite 01022M Pro Weather Station Data
This 5-in-1 weather station is a safe bet for almost anyone buying a weather station for use at home. In fact, if you’re looking for weather stations with lightning detectors included, you can stop right here!
There are a couple more models at a higher price point in this range, including the Atlas which we’ll discuss in just a minute. However, for the vast majority of users, the 01022M will do the job perfectly, without breaking the bank.
You’ll get accurate weather forecasting for your precise location. As opposed to getting the general weather predictions for your whole city that you might get on the news. In fact, you can have lightning detection up to 25 miles (~40km) away!
Furthermore, get other useful information like rainfall data, barometric pressure, indoor temperature, and humidity.
You’ll even be able to easily stream weather data to your devices wirelessly. This alone makes the AcuRite 01022M Pro the perfect weather station with lightning detectors for use at home.
Best For Professional Use
AcuRite Atlas 01007M Weather Station
Last update on 2024-12-21
Acurite Atlas 01007M Weather Station Data
If you don’t mind spending a little more money for a higher-end product, then the Atlas could be a good choice for you.
Of course, it can work well in home and professional settings, but if you’re using this for work/business, I’d recommend spending the extra money.
With this station, you get everything you do with the 01022M, plus some notable differences.
- AcuRite Access Hub is included (sold separately for the 01022m)
- Temperature & humidity readings have a closer degree of accuracy
- Light intensity & UV index included
- Data updates slightly quicker
- Wind direction can be measured 360º
- Get real-time measurements on your mobile, desktop, iPhone, or android
If your business can be disrupted by weather you may need to protect your workers. Find the best weather stations with lightning detectors to allow you to see what conditions are coming your way.
Have a good look at the Acurite Atlas to keep everybody safe.
Budget Weather Stations With Lightning Detectors
AcuRite 01021M Color Weather Station with Rain Gauge and Lightning Detector
Last update on 2024-12-21
Acurite 01021M Color Weather Station
Now, if you’re looking to get the basics for under $100, this is the option for you. The 01021M might not have the bells & whistles and performance of the Atlas, but it is a weather station, and it has a lightning detector. Indeed, that is what you’re here for after all!
Instead of going in detail about what you do get with this model, I’ll point out for you the main things you don’t get compared to the other models. Then, you can decide how important those features are to you.
Not having an anemometer is probably the biggest single difference you’ll find. That means you won’t be able to get wind speed & wind direction data.
The next, perhaps equally important difference is that this model doesn’t display indoor temperature (though it does display outdoor). This is the same for indoor humidity.
Other than that, the differences are fairly minor. For example, this model doesn’t have the ‘Weather Ticker’ updating real-time information such as the ‘feels like’ temperature & moon phase.
However, if you are looking for weather stations with lightning detectors at a budget price, you have found your machine. Also, add in the fact that it also has a rain gauge and this beauty offers real value for money.
We love the Acurite 01021M weather station, and for not much more than $50 you can accurately know what is coming at you.
Honorable Mentions
Without going into too much detail, here are a couple of other options to check out if none of our first three float your boat!
Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station
Note: you’ll need to add the optional lightning detector to this weather station. It doesn’t come included by default.
Read our full review of this weather station here.
Last update on 2024-12-21
AcuRite 01024M Pro Weather Station with HD Display
Very similar to the 01022M, but with HD display for a slightly higher price at the time of writing. However, it is still cheaper than the Atlas.
(The product box below should pull through an up-to-date price from Amazon).
Last update on 2024-12-21
What To Look For When Buying Weather Stations With Lightning Detectors
If you’ve read up to now, you’ll probably have a decent idea already of which one will suit you. However, just to summarize and wrap up here are a few things I’d recommend you have in mind.
Making any weather station purchase is daunting to anyone. We believe you should look at these important functions.
Functions
These models have, as you would expect, a variety of features and functionality. Think about what you need before you buy.
Rainfall measurement, weather forecasting, lightning detection, temperature and humidity (indoor/outdoor), ability to stream data to a phone/PC, and wind speed & direction.
Furthermore, not all of these models have all of these features. Take a minute to think about which you’d use!
Brand
Not too much to say here, since these models are all by reputable manufacturers.
AcuRite and Ambient are both hugely respected names in this field. They have great teams and make top notch weather stations with lightning detectors.
However, if you find alternative options from other brands, as with any purchase, do your research and read reviews before you buy.
Price
You can easily spend anywhere from $75 to $300+ on weather stations with lightning detectors built-in.
What you pay will be largely dictated by the functions already discussed. In fact, there is a product out there to suit most budgets.
Warranty
It’s worth taking a minute to check what, if any, warranty your product comes with. It’s pretty common to see a 1-year warranty, especially with AcuRite.
However, check the manufacturer’s websites directly for this, as those details aren’t always on Amazon.
Why Use Lightning Detectors In Weather Stations?
Lightning detectors work by picking up electromagnetic pulses given off by a lightning strike. But why bother to use one?
Well, there are probably an infinite number of reasons, but our experts came up with a few to think about.
- For hobbies and sports. A sports official may decide to keep players off a sports field if they believed lightning posed a risk.
- If you are traveling. You don’t want to be flying a plane or sailing a boat if there’s a risk of lightning. In fact, some people may choose to not even drive, walk, cycle — or generally go outside at all if there is the threat of lightning.
- For weather reporting. This could be a news station, or a hobbyist or just an enthusiast!
If this article has left you wanting more information about weather stations, weather instruments, or weather gadgets, try these.
- Best Acurite Rain Gauge For Home In 2021
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- Best Weather Stations To Buy In 2021
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