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Best Weather Stations to Buy in 2023

Best Weather Stations to Buy in 2023

Last updated January 2023

Weather is one of the most common conversations openers in the world, so having one of the best weather stations in your yard gives you a keen edge. We can talk about it to almost everyone we meet, and even TV channels and websites are committed to it.

Although watching the weather channel is informative, having your very own weather station at home is the best way to have real-time updates on the weather.
The weather ultimately affects our daily lives, and consumers today are willing to spend just to be prepared for the rain, sun, snow, and wind’s ups and downs.

Whether you are budget-conscious, a camper, a fisherman, an avid gardener, or a farmer, finding the best weather stations for your needs will be ideal.  Use real-time measurements to record and help predict local weather conditions.

If you want to understand the choices and the essential factors in buying your weather station, we’ve tested and reviewed many weather stations.

Below are our top choices for the best weather stations to buy. Let’s get into it!

The 6 Best Weather Stations 2023

Ambient Weather Station WS-7079(Our Top #1 Pick)

Let’s start with the best home weather stations review. The Ambient Weather WS-7079 Smart Weather Station with WiFi Remote Monitoring and Alert allows you to monitor your home and backyard weather conditions with a high-definition reverse PMVA color display.

The wireless sensor array and rain gauge measure wind speed/direction, temperature, humidity, UV, and solar radiation. The indoor thermo-hygrometer-barometer measures in millibars, inches of mercury, or hectopascals. You can also set up alerts based on your desired conditions so you’ll always be notified if there’s a change in the forecast.

Features:

  • Sensor Array – anemometer, a radiation shield, and a balance indicator for plumb installation. It connects to the console via RF (915 MHz) up to 100 feet of line of sight in the open air (300 feet under most conditions)
  • Enhanced WiFi – The WiFi connection is simple to set up and works with all types of WiFi routers. The web browser user interface or UI is used to control the networking between the router and a computer. Split-second accuracy is provided as a result of automatic internet UTC time server synchronization, which eliminates any potential for error.
  • Virtual Assistants – The Ambient Weather skill for Alexa and Google Assistant gives real-time and historical weather data generated by personal weather stations connected to the devices you own.
  • IFTTT Applets – The Ambient Weather server includes a timeline for keeping track of IFTTT-triggered web services, applets, and other gadgets such as blinds, rain gauges, and light.
  • Weather Networks – Connect with Weather Underground, WeatherCloud, and WeatherBug to access the world’s most extensive private weather station network.

Pros
  • Wide range of features
  • Wifi connectivity
  • Great value
Cons
  • Lower build quality

The Ambient Weather WS-7079 is perfect for geeks who do not merely want to know the local weather updates but want to gather more specific and complex data to understand what is happening in the atmosphere.  Its price range is affordable, considering that it’s a 10-in-1 machine. These best weather stations rate 4.5 out of 5

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Davis Vantage Vue 6250 Our #2 Best Weather Stations

Davis Vantage VUE

The best part about this weather station is its durability and design.  Davis Weather Station is well known for its high-quality manufacturing and excellent finishes.

It consists of a good display console and an integrated sensor suite (ISS).  The special part of this meter is that it’s a compact of all kinds of sensors in a single package to give the maximum results.

It can easily survive in heavy wind and rain and its durability is pretty much appreciable.

The display is quite a relic and hence not as good as some of its competitors.  However, it has 10 clearly labeled functions, four directional buttons, a toggle for the backlight, and a button to switch between the 10 functions.

It provides you with a few unique features such as the moon phase, weather trend graphs, and the times of sunrise or sunset.

The Davis Vantage Vue 6250 is iconic and will be seen in any review of the best weather stations.

Features:

  • LCD Console – it features an easy-to-read display with a glow-in-the-dark keypad
  • Transmission range – transmits wirelessly from the outdoor sensor to the console up to 300 ft. / 1000 ft. (unobstructed)
  • Real-time weather updates – it sends updates every 2.5 seconds which is 10x faster than most weather stations
  • Rugged durability and extreme Accuracy – like the Vantage Pro2, this weather station provides accurate readings

Specifications:

Sensors: Indoor and outdoor Temperature, Humidity, Barometric pressure, Wind speed, Wind direction, Heat Index, Dewpoint, and Rainfall

Update Interval: Updates every 10 to 12 seconds

Connectivity and Power: Wireless, Solar panel power, Battery powered console

Pros
  • Extremely Top-notch accuracy
  • High transmission range
  • Strong sensor package
  • Heavy build and durability
Cons
  • Internet connectivity is unavailable out of the box
  • Additional remote sensors cannot be added
  • Expensive

Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue is more affordable than Vantage Pro2 but has lived up to the latter’s accuracy. Plus it also reads dew point and rainfall, which makes it perfect for gardeners. If you’re a weather junkie who doesn’t care about the Internet and Smartphone connectivity, then the Vantage Vue is ideal for you.

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AcuRite 01512 Best Budget Weather Stations

AcuRite Wireless Stations

AcuRite is renowned as one of the best weather stations for the home.  The 01512 model can be easily used on the tabletop or mounted to predict the weather forecast, humidity, rainfall, etc.

With Self Calibrating Forecast by a 5-in-1 sensor, it offers the most accurate weather forecast of the exact given location. This easy-to-setup weather station comes with an assured warranty.

It catches a signal within a time frame of 5 seconds, and the rain gauge comes with excellent accuracy.  The measurements are easy to read from all possible angles and it can be your perfect partner to predict the weather mood and plan ahead.

Made in the USA, AcuRite will always feature in any list of the best weather stations.  The AcuRite 01512 is no exception.

Features:

  • 5-in-1 – consists of five sensors; thermometer, anemometer, wind vane, hygrometer, and rain gauge
  • Maximum transmission range – it can communicate wirelessly up to 330 ft.
  • Self-emptying Rain Gauge – provides accurate and reliable rain measurements
  • Auto brightness dimming technology – the AcuRite 01512 has a large illuminated color display with an auto-dim or manual brightness adjustment
  • Self-calibrating Console – pulls data from the outdoor sensor right in your backyard and updates weather data of the exact location

Specifications:

Sensors: Rain, Wind speed & wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, Barometric pressure

Update Interval: Updates every 18 to 36 seconds

Connectivity and Power: Wireless, Battery powered

Pros
  • It comes with 2-year battery life for maintenance and free operation.
  • One year free warranty assured.
  • Clear and wide display
  • Accurate
  • Readable in the low light
Cons
  • It can get interrupted by car Infiniti remotes
  • Some parts may have a limited life of 2-3 years

AcuRite 01512 is an impressive, high-quality weather sensor at an affordable price range.  If you’re a newbie who’s going to use the weather station for common purposes such as knowing the local weather forecast, then this model is perfect for you.  It provides accurate and reliable readings.  It has received the maximum comments for the best home weather stations reviewed on Amazon.

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Davis Vantage Pro2 Wireless (Most Accurate)

Best budget weather stations

This is one of the best choices for farmers and schools who are serious weather watchers. The Davis Vantage Pro2 detects the most accurate weather conditions and it has never been disappointed with its readings.

It has an integrated sensor suite that can be easily customized by adding consoles or special-purpose options.  In fact, it has been tagged as the best weather station for the weather underground community.

Davis Vantage Pro2 comes with both wired and wireless variants. The wireless variant easily transmits data up to 1000 ft.  Also, for the purpose of connecting to the internet, Davis also offers WeatherLinkIP (which is sold separately).  This allows this top-brand weather station a lot of extended features including the internet.

Features:

  • Upgradable Sensor – the Vantage Pro2 allows you to add additional sensors like UV and solar radiation, soil moisture, leaf wetness, or whatever meets your needs
  • Supreme Accuracy – it has a radiation shield that houses the sensor from too much heat and radiation, resulting in more accurate measurements
  • Long-range transmission – the maximum range is 1000 ft. without walls and obstructions and an option to add wireless repeaters to reach up to 2.7 kilometers
  • Frequency-hopping Spread Spectrum technology – the first wireless home weather station that uses FHSS
  • High-quality – the station is constructed of over-molded plastic which prevents moisture from penetrating the electronics
  • Real-Time updates – sends weather updates every 2.5 seconds

Specifications:

Sensors: Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Rainfall (Precipitation), and Barometric Pressure

Update Interval: Updates every 2.5 seconds

Connectivity and Power: Wireless Solar-powered sensor, Console AC powered with backup batteries

Pros
  • Very high accuracy
  • Versatile and water-resistant
  • Expandable
  • Solar-powered
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Can not be accessed through the internet
  • Outdated display console

The Davis Vantage Pro2 is a worthy investment. You may have to pay a premium, but this is the king when it comes to weather station accuracy. And it’s expandability is also its selling point. The design of the station it’s outdated, and the additional sensors might be expensive; however, this is one of the most reliable weather machines on the market.

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Ambient Weather WS-2000 (Premium Best Weather Stations)

Ambient Weather WS-2000

Ambient Weather WS-2000 is one of the best weather stations of all time and, with a medium price, its quality and durability are outstanding.

It can accurately measure wind speed, wind direction, temperature, rainfall, UV and solar radiation, and humidity.  Solar-powered with a good battery backup, you will maintain constant readings through any conditions.

An all-in-one sensor means you do not have to worry about purchasing any additional sensors.

The Ambient Weather WS-2000 offers all the features you would expect when you are looking for the best weather stations on the market.  And, it comes at a price far less than some of its competitors.

Features:

  • Solar Powered with Battery Backup – This is one of the most attractive features of this weather station.  It not only saves the environment but also drastically reduces operating costs
  • Bright and Colourful Tablet – The monitor of this weather meter has a large color display with easy-to-read icons
  • User-friendly – This is the only sensor in our list of best weather stations that can be connected to Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Expandable – It can be easily linked with up to 8 additional Thermo Hygrometer Sensors

Specifications:

Sensors: Indoor barometric pressure, humidity & temperature readings

Update Interval: It gets updated every 16 seconds

Connectivity and Power: It contains a wireless sensor and a solar-powered battery backup

Pros
  • Wireless all in one sensor
  • Solar-powered with battery backup
  • A bright and colorful display
  • Accurately measures indoor as well as outdoor readings
  • Perfectly compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
  • It has a range of up to 300 feet in the open air
  • Installation is easy and quick
Cons
  • The transmission signal is not too strong as compared to similar models

This tablet has impeccably a lot to offer. We love the display screen and it is very easy to install. The only thing we resent about this model is its transmission range. It is comparatively less than other high-end models.

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Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter (Best Portable)

Kestrel 5500 Pocket Weather Meter

Let’s move on to the last but certainly not the least.  The Kestrel 5500 wind meter is the most portable of our best weather stations in 2023.

Ideal for hobbyists, campers, and outdoor activists, this truly portable, yet powerful meter, goes anywhere with you.  Our best choice for those who love to travel or go hiking and want accurate weather data.

Use it for sailing or shooting, on the golf course, or when climbing mountains or abseiling.  This nifty machine is waterproof, dust-proof, and will withstand being dropped from large heights.  A handy lanyard and protective drawstring pouch should prevent such mishaps!

The Kestrel 5500 measures all conditions in a tiny unit.  Mount it onto any tripod, and it becomes a fully-featured weather station.

Kestrel LiNK connects to the app on your Android/iOS device to give continuous monitoring, real-time alerts, and customizable reports.

With many features found in more bulky machines, the Kestrel 5500 is worth looking at if you want accurate weather data on the go!  With a fairly high price point, its many unique qualities place it in our best weather stations for 2023.

Features:

  • Sensor – It has a house bulbed sensor which is slightly smaller and handles a few extra duties. Its sensor provides a wealth of measurement options including web bulb temp if in case it is exposed to the water
  • Battery – It comes with a battery case. It uses Lithium AA batteries and the housing is separate from the motherboard. Kestrel 5500 can run up to 400 hours before its battery needs to be replaced
  • Waterproof – Kestrel 5500 is waterproof and if in case it falls in any wet area or even the river, it floats and hence it can be easily carried to faraway places
  • Data upload action – Its data can be easily uploaded to Mac or Windows via Bluetooth to preserve the readings
  • Highly Durable – It is highly dust-proof, water-proof and drop-proof

Specifications:

Sensors: Measures wind speed, temperature, humidity, pressure, and direction

Connectivity and Power: It is a wireless and portable meter that makes use of a lithium AA battery

Pros
  • High versatility due to water resistance
  • Extremely accurate readings
  • Works independently and even with your smartphone
Cons
  • Expensive

We highly recommend this for outside activities.  Many weather meters lose readings in adverse conditions, but this one can be your best camping partner.

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Final Words

Above listed are some of the best weather stations available on the market today.  We’ve categorized each one of them with its core competence tag for your convenience.

We tend to believe that there’s no “perfect” weather station.  All have different features and drawbacks, hence, you should select the “best one” according to your priorities.

Want to read more?  Try our Best Solar-Powered Weather Stations Buying Guide.

The Best Vehicle-Mounted Weather Station

The Best Vehicle-Mounted Weather Station

A Vehicle-Mounted Weather Station provides weather monitoring while on the go. It plays an important role during mobile operations of emergency respondents, storm chasers, and broadcast meteorology.

Want to skip straight to the recommendation? Click here!

Factors When Choosing A Vehicle-Mounted Weather Station

When looking for vehicle-mounted weather stations it is important to consider some factors before deciding to buy:

The weather stations should be small enough to be carried on your vehicle. This factor of vehicle-mounted weather stations allows you to easily mount and install it on top of the vehicle.

Accurate and reliable. The vehicle-mounted weather stations should be able to provide the accuracy needed, especially for situations like emergency response and storm chasing.

Solar-powered with battery backup. Look for a vehicle-mounted weather station with outdoor sensor suites that is solar-powered so it charges during the day.

Editor’s Choice

Considering the factors of a good vehicle-mounted weather station, we’ve searched for the best ones in the market and really found only one solid recommendation. So, instead of needlessly making this a ‘top 10’ list, here’s our number 1 choice. The Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue. Our choice for the perfect portable weather station for your vehicle.

Last update on 2025-01-22

What makes this a good choice?

Firstly, Davis Instruments are a reliable brand that we’ve recommended on this blog countless times. Now, as for the reasons why this specific product suits vehicle mounting well:

  • Nothing needs to be plugged in. The console will run for months on batteries alone, and the outdoor sensors are solar-powered (with battery backup)
  • Accuracy. This product is used by professionals, and you’ll get super-fast updates (every 2.5s) on things like wind speed/direction, temperature, rain, and more.
  • Portability. It’s easy to mount or remove depending on what you’re using it for, so you can set it back up in your garden easily after you’re finished storm chasing!

FAQs About The Vantage Vue

Based on conversations we’ve had, and the questions and answers you’ll find on Amazon, here are some quick FAQs at-a-glance:

Q: Is there a warranty?
A: Yes. One year.

Q: Can the units of measurement be changed?
A: Temperature changes between F and Celcius. Rain can change between inches and mm.

Q: Where is the device made?
A: To the best of our knowledge, they are still made in the USA in 2020.

Q: What size mounting pipe will I need?
A: Answers from buyers are varied, but from 1″ to 2″ in diameter will work. The mounting bracket is adjustable.

Q: Do I need a computer to view the information?
A: No, you’ll be able to display information on an internet browser on any device (phone, PC, tablet).

I hope that this recommendation helps you! Good luck. And if you have any experience with vehicle-mounted weather stations, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment and let us know about your thoughts & experience.

Accurate Weather Data At Home Or On The Go

Accurate Weather Data At Home Or On The Go

As a farmer, businessman, an emergency responder or an outdoor enthusiast, having accurate weather data is a must. Historically we all relied on broadcast weather information, but today we can find this data ourselves.

Most of us use a weather app, general weather radio or emergency weather radio station. There is even the weather channel wireless weather forecast station to plan our days.

But, did you know that the forecasts from these sources are rarely accurate? The reason is that these forecasts are usually generated from professional weather stations that are located in a general region. Depending on where you live, you may be many miles from where the professional weather stations are reporting outside conditions.

Just like your best app for indoor temperature, some online resources can provide accurate weather data for your area. These resources include the weather channel, NOAA weather radio, and an online resource known as Weather Underground.

Aside from obtaining your local weather data from online sources, owning a high-quality weather station can also help you stay on top of Mother Nature. With a personal weather station, you can obtain up to date weather conditions right outside your door.

 

How and Where to Get Weather Updates

If you are searching for more accurate local weather data, several online resources can help, such as accuweather.com. A weather station is also an excellent tool for obtaining accurate weather conditions in your backyard. When shopping for a weather station, there are several factors to consider. Before purchasing a weather station, you should also read many online reviews.

  • There are a few online resources to obtain accurate local weather data for your area.
  • The NOAA National Weather Service can not only be your weather station radio channel, but the source can also serve as your trusted severe weather radio station, am a radio station for the weather, NOAA weather alert radio channels, and weather emergency radio station.
  • Do you want a personal meteorologist that is always right? If so, you should consider a home weather station.
  • The primary factors that you should consider when purchasing a station are usage, sensors, accuracy, wireless capabilities, and price.

 


NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards-National Weather Service

The weather plays an essential role in our lives every day. The popularity of smartphones and weather apps has made checking outside conditions extremely easy. The onlye problem with these technological advancements is that they are not always right!

Most people are unaware that the weather data displayed in a weather app is often from stations miles away from your specific area. That’s why there is a substantial discrepancy in these reports and the actual conditions in your exact location.

To obtain more accurate local weather data, you need resources that you can wholeheartedly depend upon. Here are some resources that may be helpful.

An excellent online resource for more accurate local weather data is the NOAA National Weather Service. The website offers nationwide station listings using broadcast frequencies. This best radio station for weather can serve as your severe weather radio station.  NOAA weather band stations, trusted NOAA weather AM radio stations and emergency weather radio channels are included.

Most importantly, the website can be your best radio station for comprehensive weather and emergency information.

NOAA weather service

When you visit the website, you’ll find that the NOAA weather band stations and the NOAA weather alert radio channels are available in every state. By partnering with federal, state and local emergency managers, the network can broadcast a warning and post-event information for a variety of hazards.

 


Weather Underground For Weather Data

One of the best places to obtain weather data for your exact location is an online resource known as Weather Underground. As a personal weather station network, the mission of this online weather station is to offer the highest quality weather information to every person on this planet.

The website is essentially a global community of people who connect data from weather stations. This weather data is then presented as beautiful and customizable charts and graphics. Since more data equates to better forecasts, everyone is welcome to this network.

Weather Underground

For your convenience, the website offers the weather station app known as WunderStation. The app provides you the opportunity to view, analyze, share and compare data with another best online weather station in your area.

Wunderstation app

Instead of depending on weather forecasts that maybe your neighbor’s or the airport, trust Weather Underground with determining the exact weather condition in your local area.

 

How To Buy A Weather Station For Your Home

There are many sources for weather forecasts available today, some of which include your weather station iPhone app, weather radio or your favorite weather channel. However, we believe nothing compares to a home weather station.

Just think, contrary to alternatives that rely on reports from stations far away, professional weather stations for a home provide more accurate results, specific to your area.

Read our updated post on The Best Weather Stations To Buy In 2021

 

What Is A Weather Station?

But what is a weather station? A professional weather station is a digital device that has a wide variety of weather instruments. They allow for optimal measuring and reporting of weather data.

Once the data is collected, the product uses a series of algorithms to generate accurate weather forecasts for your specific location.

weather station for weather data

 


How Does A Weather Station Work?

At this point, you are probably wondering how a professional weather station works to create weather data. To understand this, you must know the makeup of these devices.

The two main components of this product are the wireless sensor and the weather station display.

 

Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue 

davis-vantage-6250

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The primary responsibility of the wireless sensor is to capture weather data and transmit this information to the weather station display. A basic sensor unit is designed to monitor temperature and humidity, however, a more advanced sensor may also measure wind speed, direction and rainfall.

The Display Is For Weather Data

Most weather station displays consist of a wireless, monochrome digital screen with a backlight for night-time viewing. The primary job of the display is to receive and compute the data from the wireless sensor. You can customize the display for current and forecasted outdoor weather conditions.

To obtain a complete view of the outdoor conditions, many digital weather stations for home, show the weather data in big, bold numbers.

weather station display console

Advanced, PC-based weather stations displays are equipped with a USB port to connect to your computer. The purpose of this convenient capability on a weather station with PC interface is to allow storage and analysis of historical records. As well as remote viewing of your outdoor weather conditions on a variety of devices including your smartphone, computer and tablet.

The convenient USB port also offers you the opportunity to upload your sensor data to reputable websites like Weather Underground. This will determine how your PC based weather station compares to others operating in your specific area.

The PC connect feature also offers other capabilities. Configure the home weather station software to send emails and texts alerts for hazardous outdoor conditions. In fact, you may be able to predict a flooded basement due to severe weather in your area.

Where To Mount A Weather Station For Good Weather Data?

To get weather data from your home, the weather station could be mounted on the roof, or in the area where you plan on collecting data. Maybe the backyard or further afield if you are on a greter land parcel. Just keep in mind that the device may produce inaccurate results if you install it in the wrong place.

where to install a weather station
Image by Weather Underground

A weather station will not supply reliable date if placed in an alley or under a tree or overhang. For best results, consider installing a weather station on the side of your house or the roof of your garage.

weather station setup diagram
Image by Weather Underground

Did you know that there are also vehicle mounted weather stations available? Many of these display wind speed and direction updates as often as every 3 seconds. They will also give you real-time temperature, barometric readings and rainfall. As you are shopping for a weather device, make sure to consider a vehicle weather station, especially if you like chasing storms.


Set Up Your Weather Station For Accurate Weather Data

Once you figure out exactly where to mount this device, you need to know how to properly set up a weather station. The process of deciding how and where to place your weather station is known as “sitting.” The most essential factor in ensuring accurate data from your weather station is sitting.

When setting up a weather station, you should consider the placement of the sensors. For example, the humidity sensor should be at least 50 feet away from water and plants. The anemometer should be placed 33 feet above the ground. Also, the rain gauge should have a 5 feet clearance to the nearest obstruction.

While you are setting up a weather station, always remember that ease of access is a significant factor. You may need to change the batteries at some time, and check and clean the sensors regularly.

Many weather stations provide a connection via USB to a PC. If you like to record the weather data in your PC or upload it to WunderGround, you should keep your PC on all day.

If your weather station is WiFi enabled, it can upload data to the internet without connecting to your PC.

Read an in-depth article on setting up a weather station here.

You Need A Weather Station For Accurate Weather Data

If the weather app on your smartphone has shown “sunny skies” while heavy rain is falling right outside your door, then you need a weather station! Whether you are a future meteorologist, gardener, farmer or hobbyist, owning digital weather stations can be extremely useful.

Due to the variety of sensors on these products, a primary weather station can measure pressure, humidity, temperature, wind speed and direction. More advanced models are designed to also capture soil conditions and rainfall. While a thermometer sensor can measure temperature, a barometer sensor will capture atmospheric pressure. This can be very helpful if you suffer from barometric pressure headaches.

When searching for an advanced model, consider purchasing an outdoor weather station with a rain gauge, or a home weather station with a barometer. Other handy features include a snow at home weather tool or an atomic clock weather stations for home.

With plenty of other cool features, these geeky gadgets can tell you everything that you need to know about the weather in your area.

davis-6152-weather-station

What Do Professional Home Weather Stations Offer?

One of the best advantages of professional weather stations for home is that they offer real-time weather reports. Getting accurate weather data will assist you with successfully planning almost any outdoor activity. In other words, installing a weather station will provide you with weather reports that are specific to your area. This could be very helpful for children’s sport, if you are hosting a pool party and also farmers or avid gardeners.

Along with obtaining accurate weather reports, installing one of these great products connects you with others who share data from their own weather stations.

On another note, a weather station can also be a fantastic tool to show your children how the weather works.


Qualities Of A Great Weather Station

If you are obsessed with weather forecasts in your area, then a home weather station home should be high on your shopping list. However, as with most products, not all these devices are created equal. There are many different types of weather stations with various features and price points.

In this weather station buying guide, we’ll talk about the qualities of a useful home weather device, and the essential things to know before purchasing one.

There are many different options on the market today, so for accurate weather data, you want the best home weather station.


Which Weather Station Gives Great Weather Data?

Are you asking yourself the question, “which weather station should I buy?” The good news is our weather station buying guide should answer this question for you.

Here are the different factors and features to consider when buying the best home weather station for weather data.


Usage

When shopping forweather device, the biggest question you need to ask yourself is, “Why do I need a professional weather station?” Do you need a primary weather station to obtain the exact conditions in your backyard? Are you a farmer or gardener who would like to monitor weather conditions to ensure that your crops are growing in an optimal environment? Are you a weather hobbyist who would like to closely monitor your local weather data and compare your observations to other weather enthusiasts nearby? The answer to these questions will determine the type of product that you need.


Sensors and Features

The basic features of any weather station should contain a weather thermometer, as well as a wind speed and direction sensor. Aside from these important features, the best weather station should be equipped with sensors that measure dew point and humidity.

If you enjoy being outdoors a lot, you need a station that can sense outdoor lightning and measure solar radiation and UV index. On the other hand, if you are a farmer or gardener, stations that contain integrated soil moisture and weather thermometer would be extremely beneficial.

Are you a pool owner? If so, you may need a station with a water temperature sensor to monitor the best time for swimming.


Accuracy

Because a weather station is virtually worthless if it incorrectly measures weather conditions, another important feature is accuracy. Just remember that when it comes to weather stations, you will get what you pay for.

As a general rule of thumb, the cheaper stations are built for affordability at the expense of accuracy. Most professional-grade weather stations give incredibly accurate weather data.

While farmers and emergency responders may need accurate and frequent weather data points, others are okay with less precise data. It may be okay if the updates are a little slower.

When you have correctly identified your reasons for getting the best weather station for home use, you’ll be able to determine how important accuracy is to you.


Wireless

Back in the day, weather stations came in two forms: wired and wireless. As technology has progressed, wired weather stations have become a thing of the past. These days, almost every weather station on the market is wireless, which means they operate through WiFi or Bluetooth.

There is no doubt that a WiFi weather station is much better than its predecessors. The primary reason is that a WiFi weather station offers greater flexibility in the placement of the sensors. The result of the flexible senor placement is more accurate readings on a pro wireless weather station.

One of the most useful wireless weather devices is a pro wireless weather station with PC interface. Such wireless weather stations not only contain a bunch of cool features, but they also offer you the option to connect to them via an app or website.

Interface

Such wireless weather stations not only contain a bunch of cool features, but they also offer you the option to connect to them via an app or website.

Because of this great feature, wireless weather stations are strongly recommended.

Included Software

More weather devices these days come with online weather station software. While you can rely on Weather Underground to display your data, a software package may help you analyze historical data much more straightforward.

Price

As previously mentioned, the saying “You get what you pay for” is true with these home weather devices. So before you purchase a weather station, you need to determine if all of these fantastic features are worth the extra money.

Final Thoughts On Stations For Weather Data

When shopping for the most recommended weather stations, you should consider the factors discussed above. Whether you love all things weather or are obsessed with weather forecasts, purchasing a home weather station should provide fantastic weather data.

Weather Station Reviews

We have recently updated this post and recommend you read our Best Weather Stations To Buy In 2021. This will give you the most up-to-date products that are available on the market today.

Summary

In the past, we relied on a radio station or TV to get accurate weather data and information about outdoor conditions. But today, there is an increasing trend to use weather stations for accurate, current conditions and forecasts.

While these products aren’t a new idea, recent weather station models come with more cool features to help measure outdoor conditions accurately.

  • Some of the best places to find online information about local weather data is the NOAA and Weather Underground.
  • As the best radio station for the weather, you can depend on the NOAA National Weather Service as your emergency radio station.
  • As compared to a weather radio station, a home weather station is a better option for obtaining accurate local weather data.
  • There are many different types of weather stations available today.
  • Before purchasing a weather station, you should understand why you need one.
  • Depending on the usage, accuracy is paramount when shopping for a weather station.

 

4 Best Barometric Pressure Reader

4 Best Barometric Pressure Reader

Whatever your reason for needing a barometric pressure reader, you’re in the right place. Maybe you’re a sufferer of barometric pressure headaches… (sorry, I know they suck!). Maybe you’re into fishing or some other relevant sport.

The good news is that there is a pretty wide variety of devices that can help you out. Barometric pressure reader, pressure monitor, weather station — whatever you want to call them.

At A Glance: Barometric Pressure Reader

Last update on 2025-01-22

Below are some recommendations for you, depending on your needs. You’ll find things from a fully-featured weather station that includes a barometric pressure gauge, to beautiful antiques, globes, anemometers, and more. Feel free to use these quick-scroll links to skip ahead to a section:

AcuRite Weather Station With Barometric Pressure

Globe Barometer Glass

Antique Design Ambient Weather WS-YG315

Trac Fishing Barometer

Without further ado, let’s get into some options!

AcuRite 02008A1: Weather Station With Barometric Pressure Reader & More

The AcuRite 02008A1 is a wireless weather station with a bunch of extra useful features, including measuring barometric pressure. This station has a digital LCD-colored display where it shows the current barometric pressure, temperature, humidity, date, and time.

Last update on 2025-01-22

It can also keep track of barometric activity for a selected period. Its Barometric Pressure History Chart displays a graph of the historical barometric pressure changes.

This is one of the more expensive choices for a tool that monitors barometric pressure, but there are a number of reasons why it could be worth its price tag. It is very feature-rich: color LED displays with the forecast, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure along, and more. As far as weather stations go, the dark theme looks pretty nice too. Acurite is a super reputable brand in this field, so you can feel confident that this will be a one-off cost. It’s a durable and long-lasting device that has every feature that you might need.

Final things worth pointing out: it generates self-calibrating forecasting every 12 to 24 hours, has easily adjustable brightness, and it is very easy to set up at home yourself.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Multitasking
  • Very high quality
  • Adjustable brightness
  • Focused sensor
  • Extremely easy setup
  • Replaceable battery
  • Large Bright and colorful screen
Cons

  • Expensive
This is a great device to buy – although quite expensive it can easily replace your usual clocks and upgrade your decoration standards along with providing useful details of weather, temperature, and humidity. It’s quite costly but it serves its purpose pretty well.

Check Latest Price

Related Article: Barometric Pressure Headaches: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Globe Glass Barometric Pressure Reader

This Globe Barometer Glass is a simple and straightforward gadget to measure barometric pressure. All you have to do is add colored distilled water, and it is good to go. Changes in barometric pressure can be observed in the level of water in its spout.

Last update on 2025-01-21

A low water level indicates “High Pressure” which means fair weather, while a High water level indicates “Low Pressure” which means bad weather.

Along with being a barometer glass, it brings along many other perks as well. Being a little fancy and decorative contributes to your interior ambiance. The round globe structure is fascinating; it is sure to attract some attention from your guests! Also, it can be a very thoughtful and attractive gift to someone. It’s neither too expensive nor is it something that needs to be thrown away when it stops working – because it can still be used as a showpiece. 

The only thing that’s missing in this product is glass-etching which would have added a lot of beauty to its look (though admittedly, this would increase the price too).

This device is basically a liquid barometer. It measures air pressure inside the liquid in the bottle to detect the weather conditions outside.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Gorgeous look
  • Precise pressure indication
  • Best for interior decoration
  • Wallet-Friendly
Cons

  • Glass is not etched
  • It comes without instructions
It serves two-in-one purposes decoration and detection of weather conditions at a very reasonable price. It gets delivered with two forecast bottles, one Blue water-soluble pigment, and one red pigment-soluble pigment. If you are specifically looking for a liquid barometer, this would be a good choice.

Check Latest Price

Ambient Weather WS-YG315

This exquisitely handcrafted weather instrument from Ambient Weather measures barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity. It’s a traditional piece that makes excellent decorative art for a library, beautiful study, office, or even a restaurant.

Last update on 2025-01-21

For an accurate barometric reading, it is advised that you lightly tap the glass near the center brass to overcome any friction that may affect accuracy, especially during slow air pressure changes. For barometer calibration, feel free to check the Ambient Weather WS-YG315 Manual.

This beautiful traditional cherry finish dial can be a perfect addition to your home, office, library, study room, or anywhere else. Maybe even a laboratory! It’s an old-school handcrafted traditional barometer that would be appreciated wherever gets placed. It comes with an assured warranty of 1 year.

It detects temperature, pressure, and humidity. It comes with three pressure gauges – each one representing a different factor. The first dial at the top is a thermometer that is used to measure temperature. However, it is not as accurate as the bulb thermometers used to measure the temperature of the body, but it works fine.

The second pressure gauge from the top is a hygrometer which is used to measure humidity. It is often discussed that the humidity is not as much use as the temperature and other factors but it can be helpful for the detection of molds. High humidity leads to the growth of molds and the prior detection of which is a +1. Although the hygrometer almost takes an hour to reach the level of accuracy, it’s still very helpful, and more accurate than other methods.

The third pressure gauge at the bottom is – you guessed it the barometer. The reason why it features in this article! It is an aneroid barometer that is used to measure air pressure which ultimately detects weather conditions.

The Trac Fishing Barometer Reader

The Trac Fishing Barometer is ideal for tracking pressure for fishing success; however, this is also a great gadget to bring with you anywhere to monitor barometric pressure. It has a color-coded dial that indicates typical weather conditions for tremendous or poor fishing. This gadget is easy to calibrate for local barometric pressure.

Last update on 2025-01-21

Obviously, as you may deduce from the name, this option is best for those who need to measure barometric pressure specifically for the purposes of fishing. There’s not much more to be said on this, other than a reminder that you don’t need to be into fishing to utilize this device. You can simply use it as a portable option for measuring barometric pressure on the go.

One of the specific features of this option is that it’s waterproof. Ready to be used near the sea, rivers, lakes, ponds, and so on. It can easily withstand the splashing of water and will continue working perfectly. Although I wouldn’t necessarily recommend you try it, much like I wouldn’t recommend submerging a waterproof smartphone for no reason… it does actually float. Neat! No problems retrieving it if you drop it out of a boat or something. Probably…

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Colour display with segmented zones
  • Completely waterproof
  • The aperture makes it float in case of an accident dripping
  • Adjustable pressure change indicator
Cons

  • Needs reset every time it’s turned off
This is one of the amazing devices suitable for fishing specifically. It is pocket-friendly and worth carrying for fishing.

Check Latest Price

 

Final Words:

There are a number of barometer readers available in the market to measure barometric pressure, and all of them can be used for different purposes successfully as per the available budget. Don’t compromise with what you pay, choose the best one wisely.

 

Weather Instruments for Small Boat Sailors

Weather Instruments for Small Boat Sailors

Reading time: 10 minutes

In this article, we’ll take a look at some useful gadgets & weather instruments for small boat sailors to measure the weather, as might be required for a sailboat.

At A Glance: Recommended Weather Instruments For Small Boat Sailors

You could easily spend a lot more on this equipment depending on your needs. However, for most people sailing for pleasure, these will do the job.

Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue Wireless Weather Station with LCD Console

BTMETER BT-100APP Anemometer w/Wireless Bluetooth, Digital Handheld Wind Speed Meter for Wind Chill, Air Velocity, Temperature, Vane Anemometer Gauge

Sealed sensors to protect from the elements. Wireless & solar-powered. Corrosion tested for marine environments.

Perfect for sailing. Lightweight & portable. Measures wind speed, chill, and temperature. Bluetooth enabled.

Weather Station

Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue Wireless Weather Station with LCD Console

Sealed sensors to protect from the elements. Wireless & solar-powered. Corrosion tested for marine environments.

Handheld Anemometer

BTMETER BT-100APP Anemometer w/Wireless Bluetooth, Digital Handheld Wind Speed Meter for Wind Chill, Air Velocity, Temperature, Vane Anemometer Gauge

Perfect for sailing. Lightweight & portable. Measures wind speed, chill, and temperature. Bluetooth enabled.

Last update on 2025-01-22

If you’re an experienced sailor, you’ll know that the weather is no joke. It’s something that you need to take seriously and be equipped with the right tools to weather any storms (literally) that come your way.

Professional seafarers have depended on various types of weather-related technology for centuries, but they’ve perhaps only become more prominent in the recreational market in the past few decades. Modern electronics have made various weather instruments for smaller boats that are reliable and compact enough to be mounted on a sailboat or sailing yacht.

Sailboat Weather Stations

As we get into these product recommendations, I should start by saying that although I know a thing or two about weather stations, I am not an expert sailor by any means. So, these are solid, highly recommended portable products researched as best as possible, but do take a minute to do your own research & read reviews on Amazon too.

Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue

Let’s start with the top choice. If you’re not on a tight budget, I’d highly recommend picking up a Davis Vantage Vue. I’ll explain why as concisely as possible. This product:

  • Is corrosion tested, to simulate wear & tear in extreme marine environments
  • Has sealed electronics/sensors, protecting them from the elements
  • Updates incredibly quickly (every 2.5 seconds)
  • Is solar-powered with stored energy backup
  • Has thousands of reviews worldwide

Overall, it seems like a safe choice. I should point out that a mounting pole isn’t included with this product usually.

Last update on 2025-01-22

If you’re looking for something for a slightly smaller budget, here are some alternative options.

Last update on 2025-01-21

Reduced AcuRite 01540M 5-in-1 Weather Station

Last update on 2025-01-21

Wind Vanes & Anemometers For Sailboats

The first step in avoiding the dangers of heavy weather is being aware of what is going on locally in the atmosphere. Accurate weather instruments allow the skipper to track weather conditions and quantify when and how fast they change.

Many crafts will have both a wind vane to read wind direction and an anemometer for wind speed. & other metrics.

BTMETER Digital Wind Speed Anemometer

For an anemometer, this handheld wireless option from BTMETER is our top choice. It covers the basics very well at an affordable price. Wind speed can be measured in your choice of unit, including knots. Highly accurate, connects to your phone via bluetooth, and solid power-saving features.

As well as the basics, full-featured portable wind meters like this one can include important data to display wind chill, which is critical for avoiding hypothermia.

BTMETER Digital Wind Speed Anemometer

Last update on 2025-01-21

Worth noting: you can check out this similar product, also by BTMETER, if you would also like to measure barometric pressure.

Reduced BTMETER Digital Anemometer Barometer

Last update on 2025-01-21

For a wind vane, the Windex 10 (or 15, depending on the boat size) is a popular choice.

It can be easily mounted on small boats.

The simplest way to determine wind direction is to face directly into the wind until you feel the same amount of wind on both cheeks, then if you can, identify a landmark directly in front of you. Use your compass to determine the bearing of the landmark, or take a compass reading of the wind direction. Most portable wind meters will not have a wind vane, but some of the more sophisticated models will include an internal compass which can be used in a similar fashion to the “wind on both cheeks” method.

Accurate temperature readings may not seem critical to a recreational sailor. If it gets chilly, personal comfort dictates putting on a jacket or foul weather gear. In actual practice, with the fun of being on the water and the excitement of new sensations, some crew members may ignore the need for donning weather protective clothing until it is too late. Given the wet and windy conditions of sailing, hypothermia, an uncontrolled drop in body temperature is a constant danger.

A sudden drop in air temperature may precede a sudden change in atmospheric conditions, signalling a quickly developing storm.

Thermometers are generally small and rugged enough to be mounted in a small cockpit, but if the instrument is mounted improperly the readings could be false due to direct sun.

Full-featured portable wind meters like the WeatherHawk SM-19 or the WM-350 will include sensors and software to display wind chill data, which is critical for avoiding hypothermia.

The barometer is considered the single most valuable weather prediction instrument carried on board. Current barometric readings will provide a picture of what the atmosphere is doing, but the change and rate of change in pressure readings are even more informative.

A quickly falling barometer indicates an imminent storm. A bulkhead mounted mechanical aneroid barometer requires no power, although a salty marine environment may negatively affect the internal gear mechanism. Handheld barometers are often too fragile to be practical. An electronic barometer such as the one featured in a handheld weather station is again the most favorable solution for the small boat sailor. Portable wind meters such as WeatherHawk WM-350 and SM-28  include the option for barometric readings.  

Weems and Plath Endurance II 105 Open Dial Barometer, Chrome
Weems and Plath Endurance II 105 Open Dial Barometer, Chrome
Maintenance free, ultra-hard protective coating; Guaranteed not to tarnish or scratch; Weather resistant
$225.00

Last update on 2025-01-21

A quickly falling barometer indicates an imminent storm. A bulkhead mounted mechanical aneroid barometer requires no power, although a salty marine environment may negatively affect the internal gear mechanism. Handheld barometers are often too fragile to be practical. An electronic barometer such as the one featured in a handheld weather station is again the most favorable solution for the small boat sailor. Portable wind meters such as WeatherHawk WM-350 and SM-28  include the option for barometric readings.  

Load Up and Set Sail

Weather Measuring Instruments for Small Boat Sailors 5 | weatherstationary.com

Life On The Water

Weather Measuring Instruments for Small Boat Sailors 3 | weatherstationary.com

The basics of sailing, learning how to launch your boat, raise and lower the sails, and make it go where you want it to go can pretty much be learned over the space of a weekend, but you will spend the rest of your life perfecting those skills. There are sailing clubs just about everywhere you can find enough water to sail on, and most factory-built boats will have a class organization where you will find plenty of friends willing to teach you the basics of sailing.

It always feels great to have the faster boat while it can be humbling to wring all the performance you can out of your boat and still come up short, but racing, no matter how informal, is a great way to boost your boat handling skills. It is important for the skipper to share those skills with his crew, as well. With the limited space aboard a trailer sailor, it is good if everyone can pull their weight, and it is great fun to watch your kids learning how to handle the boat. Many skippers will tell you that the proudest moment of their sailing career was the first time they sat back with a drink while their kids took the helm and navigated across the bay.

With modern weather services both broadcast and over the Internet, a trailer sailor can usually choose the best conditions to go sailing in. If the skipper knows that it is going to be a stormy day, better to leave the boat on the trailer and take in a ball game. Keep in mind that broadcast or Internet forecasts are going to cover a wide area, and what the small boat sailor needs to know is the conditions where his boat is sailing right now.

A larger craft will have plenty of room for full-function weather instrumentation, but a trailer sailor usually will not have the dashboard space for all the weather gizmos that a skipper desires. While there is no replacement for the Mk1Mod0 Human Eyeball, there are a number of portable electronic devices that can fill the void.

Introducing the Trailer Sailor

Weather Measuring Instruments for Small Boat Sailors 1 | weatherstationary.com

There is a saying in the boating world that the fun of boat ownership is inversely proportional to the size of the vessel. In other words, people who own small or very small boats tend to enjoy them a lot more than owners of big boats. A sailboat that is small enough to live on a trailer in your driveway represents an exceptional value.

The advantages of a small boat are almost too many to number. Maintaining a large boat is a lot of work. A small boat still needs maintenance, of course, but since it is a lot smaller, the work can be done in an hour or two instead of being a day-long or multi-day project. A big boat needs to be kept in the water, but a small boat skipper is likely to use his boat more often because it is so much simpler (and cheaper) for him to get it out on the water.

If a small sailboat does have an engine, it will be a very small and simple one that sips fuel. A larger yacht is often totally dependent upon firing up the “stinkpot” to get in and out of the harbor, not to mention relying on it to get home on schedule. It is easier to learn to operate a small boat than a large one (however, almost everything that you will learn on a small craft will be directly transferable to a larger vessel if you do decide to move up).

The most obvious advantage to a larger boat over a tiny one is safety and crew comfort, but even this can be an illusion. Nautical literature is filled with tales of very small vessels surviving very large storms (including hurricanes) if the crew is able to simply button-down and ride it out. It is rarely comfortable to ride out a storm in a small craft, but your boat will be a lot tougher than you suspect.

There are a few basic conditions that every skipper will need to keep track of. These will include wind speed and direction, air temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. These conditions are recorded and reported by commercial and government agencies around the world, so a means of receiving these reports can be helpful to supplement local observation.

Limitations of Trailer Sailors?

Weather Measuring Instruments for Small Boat Sailors 2 | weatherstationary.com

Some people refuse to consider a small boat because they are afraid it will be of limited use. Remember, the smaller the boat, the more fun it is to own! Some very tiny boats, including many which fit our definition of trailer sailors, have made incredible voyages, including several circumnavigations and exploring everywhere from the fjords of Greenland to the bays of Antarctica and everywhere in between.

A mooring kept yacht would seem to have a greater range, but in fact, the bigger boat is more or less trapped in a single body of water. Trailer sailors have the option of going “55 mph to windward” any time they want to on their trailer.

Even if your home waters are an inland reservoir, with a little planning and a well-timed vacation, your family could be cruising the Gulf Coast, the many islands of Puget Sound, the rocky headlands of New England, the sunny shores of the Sea of Cortez, the Great Lakes, or the Florida Keys.

As long as the water is deep enough for your keel and there is a road leading to it, you can sail your trailer sailor there!

The Life You Save May Be Your Own…

Although it is fun to dream and great to know that your boat would be up to an epic adventure, most of our trailer sailor adventures will be more limited in scope. Whether you are braving “the Roaring Forties” around Cape Horn or spending a lazy afternoon tacking back and forth across your local reservoir, things going wrong can be just as deadly for you and your crew. Small craft safety comes down to the same three elements:

  • Maintaining your vessel and its equipment.
  • Knowing how to operate it in a prudent manner.
  • Be aware of the conditions you are sailing in by having instruments for small boats on board.

As we mentioned earlier, taking care of a trailer sailor is a much simpler proposition than living with a larger yacht. Since the boat lives in your driveway, you are able to take care of things yourself and at your own pace. Even if you are not very mechanically inclined there are plenty of tutorials and forums on the Internet where you can learn everything you need to know about taking care of your boat.

The trailer sailor is small enough that learning its systems is very simple. In fact, building a small sailboat yourself is not that hard. It is a time-consuming project, and over the span of the project, most builders find that they haven’t really saved any money over buying a factory-built boat.

However, by spending a few hours a week on the project, spaced over several months, the amateur builder finds that he has a better built and more beautiful craft (since he is working for himself, the amateur builder usually does not take shortcuts and can afford to use the best materials). If something goes wrong during the life of the boat, the builder knows that he will be able to fix it because he built it!

Probably the greatest small boat sailors of all time were the ancient Polynesians. Although their craft was not really what we would think of as trailer sailors, the boats did live on the beach when they were not being sailed.

These same boats (which were among the fastest non-engine powered watercraft of all time) were constructed by hand from all-natural materials with no written plans, fiberglass, epoxy, or metal fittings. The navigators who sailed them had no weather instrumentation other than their own eyes and knowledge passed down from father to son for generations. Using this stone-age technology, they became the dominant culture over nearly a fifth of the Earth’s surface.

weatherstationarycom-2c4f66.ingress-bonde.easywp.com - What have you learned

We may never become as intimate with the sea and the weather as the ancient Polynesians, but we face the same dangers and experience the same joys every time we go to sea in our small boats. It is an attainable adventure that is within reach of almost everyone, and one that can be shared and enjoyed by the entire family. Keep the following principles in mind:

  • Smaller vessels are incredibly capable, versatile, and much cheaper to own and operate than large yachts. The smaller the boat, the more fun it is to own!
  • Although a trailer sailor may not have enough space to carry a suite of full-function weather instruments, the skipper can use handheld electronic devices to keep track of the weather and communicate with other vessels.
  • There are several types of radio sets and receivers that can monitor NOAA Weather alerts and can be set up with an alarm for emergency conditions.
    Tracking wind conditions is vital for sailing vessels for both the safety and performance of the craft. A simple portable wind meter gives the skipper up-to-the-moment readouts of wind speed and changing conditions.
  • Hypothermia can be deadly on the water. Keep track of air temperature and wind-chill conditions.
  • Use a barometer to track and predict changes in local weather conditions.
Coolest Gifts for Weather Geeks this 2018

Coolest Gifts for Weather Geeks this 2018

Note: we published a new & updated guide to weather-related gifts in April 2020. Check it out! Weather Related Gifts For Weather Geeks.

“Everyone Talks About the Weather…”

Being able to share accurate weather data does not seem as exciting as sharing a snapshot. Here’re some Coolest Gifts for Weather Geeks this 2018

A picture is worth a thousand words. If you are going to use real words in a social media post, many of those words are likely going to be about how nasty or how nice the weather is.

Weather is universal, it affects everyone, and we can all relate to it. Think about your real-life social encounters, if you meet someone for the first time and don’t know if you have anything in common, what is the one topic you can always talk of? It is not your Fantasy Football team.

We’ll discuss later accurate weather data, but If you’re thinking about an unconventional way to show the “weather in one picture” you can go for one of the coolest weather gifts out on the market. The Storm Glass it won’t replace your backyard weather station, but the crystals in the glass will form beautiful patterns that will make a good conversation in any room. 

 

Storm Glass Weather Predictor

Storm Glass Weather Predictor | WeatherStationary.com

How about a practical coolest gifts for weather geeks that shows that special person you support their interest in weather and that you care about their safety?  Get a weather radio.

Aside from receiving weather updates from the National Weather Service, weather radios also broadcast warnings related to natural hazards and public safety issues. If you don’t have a weather radio at home, you might want to buy one.

Midland WR-120 NOAA Public Alert-Certified Weather Radio

Midland WR-120 NOAA Public Alert-Certified Weather Radio | WeatherStationary.com

 

The Most “Social” Social Networks

Before the Internet became a place to share cute cat videos and pictures of the great pancakes you had for breakfast, it was a place for sharing valuable information. That spirit lives on with Personal Weather Station Networks. PWSNs link the data from hundreds, even thousands of personal weather stations that contains coolest gifts for weather geeks across the country and around the world. By combining the data provided by this community of amateur scientists, forecasts of unprecedented accuracy and timeliness are possible.

All you need to join a PWSN is a stable Internet connection and a reliable, automated personal weather station like the Weatherhawk 916 Wireless.\

 

WeatherHawk 916 Wireless


WeatherHawk 916 Wireless | WeatherStationary.com

If you need something more “budget-friendly” our next pick would be the AcuRite 01024 Pro Weather Station. It’s wireless, and it comes with Lightning Detector, HD Display, Rain Gauge, Wind Speed and Direction, Temperature & Humidity Sensor.

 

AcuRite 01024 Pro Weather Station 

 
AcuRite 01024 Pro Weather Station | coolest gifts for weather geeks| WeatherStationary.com

Wireless Technology

In a previous article, we discussed the advantages of Cabled Weather Stations. However, if you don’t want to get “entangled” and you’re looking for the latest technology, a wireless Weather Station is what you need. You have to mount it in a location where it gets full exposure to the weather and align with True North, and the single unit construction makes this simple. The solar backup power means it is reliable and worry-free once you install it, and the 1000′ transmission range allows significant freedom in installation choices.

The data displayed on the HD screen base station provides an easy to understand graphics of current conditions as well as a running record of past trends, which is very useful for gardening and landscaping, as well as telling you whether you will want a sweater for your evening walk.

Take the Weather with You

A personal weather station will do a reading of local conditions at home, and PWSNs give conditions at specific locations, but what about the weather where you want to go out and play?

It doesn’t matter if you go outside to play golf, hike through the mountain, windsurf, picnic, paraglide, B.A.S.E. jump or birdwatch, current weather conditions at your location have a direct bearing on the success of your adventure.

The WeatherHawk WM-350 is a fully-functional weather station that you can carry in your pocket. In an instant, you can get an up-to-date using it as an instrument to measure wind speed, direction, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind chill or heat index, altitude, and air density, all from a handy device that fits in your pocket.

 

WeatherHawk WM-350 | coolest gifts for weather geeks | WeatherStationary.com

The WeatherHawk WM-350, along with other portable wind meters, weather measuring instruments, are available in Amazon. However, regardless of your choice, don’t forget to take your eyes from that tiny screen and go outdoors. Nature is amazing!

 
 
 
Cabled Weather Station Vs Wireless Weather Station

Cabled Weather Station Vs Wireless Weather Station

Cabled Weather Station VS Wireless Weather Station

Wireless has become an important buzzword in the tech community over the past couple of decades. One of the first critical wireless devices was the home or office landline telephone handset. The user had the option to take the phone away from the base station and still be able to communicate. But, why do you need to check out a cabled weather station?

Of course, the rise of cellular technology has caused us to wonder if the wired phone in any form is doomed. In telephones, there may be a small backlash against wireless handsets. The market has recently seen an upswing in sales of desktop office phones designed to connect with cellular networks. As it turns out, in an office setting, many people are just more comfortable using a corded handset.

Is Wireless Always the Best Answer?

This brings into question whether wireless is the best thing for other technologies, especially home weather stations. A wireless connection between the station’s sensor suite and the base station has some very definite advantages. However, wireless technology comes with some disadvantages. These may even outweigh the advantages and make you choose a cabled weather station.

Cabled vs wireless | WeatherStationary.com

For most applications, the significant benefit of wireless technology is portability. The home or office WiFi connection, to smartphones, tablet computers, and laptops allows the devices to connect to the network from anywhere there is a signal. However, the convenience of portability may come at the cost of decreased security.

WiFi networks have been notoriously accessible for outsiders to gather data from. These days, there are simple encryption techniques to mitigate this danger.

There is much less of a security issue circling the data being transmitted by a wireless weather station. Weather stations use unique transmission frequencies, which are separate from WiFi. Indeed, weather data is not that sensitive.

Some base units have a provision for WiFi connection. This is for sharing data with the network, not between the sensors and the base. Portability is a less important issue for a weather station base unit.

Generally, it will be in a fixed location, and the user will come to it or access the information via WiFi on a smartphone or computer.

Wireless Weather Stations – Set It and Forget It Convenience

Cabled weather station, Wireless weather station

Ease of installation is the most significant selling point for a wireless weather station. Once the sensor suite is in place appropriately (high enough to avoid disturbance from buildings and trees, away from obstructions), it is merely a matter of placing the base station where it will receive the signal from the sensors.

The rated range for most wireless sensor transmitters is generally 300 to 1000 feet (100 – 300 meters), so finding good reception should not be a problem, although some forms of house and building construction may cause interference. This is primarily only a problem in metal and metal reinforced buildings.

Wireless technology adds a level of sophistication and expense to the weather station.

For many users, the only notable difference between a wireless and a cabled weather station is the price, wired connections are generally much less expensive, especially when ordering internationally. This is because each wireless setup needs to conform to the regulations in each country.

The FCC regulates radio frequencies in the USA; other countries will have their regulating bodies and rules. Since a wired weather station does not broadcast across radio waves, a system ordered in one country ships to another without a problem.

Cabled Weather Stations – the Less Expensive Alternative

Cabled weather station | WeatherStationary.com

After the cost savings of a cabled weather station, the biggest advantage to a cable connection is freedom from radio frequency interference. Cell phones have been known to interfere with audio devices, and how many times has a household appliance like a blender or a vacuum cleaner interfered with a TV or WiFi transmission? Once the base station has recognized the wireless sensor suite RF interference episodes are likely to be transitory and short in duration, but they can happen.

Any cost savings from the purchase of a wired weather station may be negated by installation costs.

The project is not beyond the capacity of the average home handy person, but the data cable will have to come through at least the outside wall of the home. This project is possible with the same tools and materials used for a TV cable installation, but some homeowners will be more comfortable hiring a professional to drill the hole and seal the wire after installation.

Cabled Weather Stations – Other Considerations

The range of the wired connection is limited by the length of cable purchased. In practicality, a suspended wire is subject to wind damage as well as UV exposure. If the sensor suite is mounted on a mast some distance away from the house, consider burying the cable (using an underground conduit). The cable should be firmly anchored to the pole and the outside walls of the house using nylon cable ties and clamps.

The last advantage of a wireless weather station has to do with your needs and involvement in the weather-watching hobby.

Some of the more sophisticated systems offer expansion and upgrades. 

A wireless network can generally be used with more than one wireless base station, and some manufacturers provide additional sensors such as soil moisture sensors and leaf-wetness meters, which may not be compatible with wired stations.

Last update on 2025-01-22

 

 

 

 

Davis Instruments Cabled vs. Wireless|WeatherStationary.com

Davis Instruments Cabled vs. Wireless

Pros and Cons of Cabled Weather Stations

Pros
  • Generally, less expensive initial purchase
  • Not subject to outside RF interference
  • Radio transmission regulations do not apply
Cons
  • Data cable subject to wear and weather damage, as well as physical damage from animals or equipment
  • Limited system expansion

Pros and Cons of Wireless Weather Stations

Pros
  • Simplified installation.
  • Greater expansion options.
Cons
  • Possible RF interference
  • Greater expense and sophistication
  • Subject to transmission regulations

Troubleshooting your weather station can do it yourself with these tips; Easy Home Weather Station Troubleshooting Tips.

Quick Tips How To Become A Storm Chaser

Quick Tips How To Become A Storm Chaser

 

Interested in becoming a storm chaser? You’re in the right place!

In this article we will:

    • Learn who storm chasers are and why they do it.
    • How the National Weather Service uses information gathered by storm spotters and storm chasers to help everyone be safer.
    • How to find a storm-chasing mentor.
    • How to conduct your own storm chase.

You may have seen exciting video footage of a tornado or thunderstorm on TV or YouTube, or perhaps you have seen storm chasers on reality TV or in the movies Twister (1996) or Into the Storm (2014). Some of the footage you see is from people who just happen to have a camera handy when a storm comes their way, but the best of it is probably shot by Storm Chasers who make it their business to go out and observe radical weather first hand.

Seeing a violent storm up close, feeling the strength and violence of the wind and feeling the bite of the rain and hail can be a frightening and exciting experience at the same time. In fact, the whole idea of storm chasing seems a little crazy to most people who are more likely to seek shelter when that a storm is coming.

For people who do enjoy the thrill of experiencing violent weather firsthand, there is the satisfaction that even a clip of a storm shot with a phone camera can help researchers and scientists to better understand tornadoes and thunderstorms.

tornado-caught on cam | weatherstationary.com

Photo by Brian A Morganti/stormeffects.com

 

What Is A Storm Chaser?

A Storm Chaser is anyone who looks for heavy weather conditions, no matter what their motivation. They may be interested in collecting scientific data, producing news or media coverage, seeking adventure, or simply curious to know what it is like in a severe storm. Very few people actually make a living as storm chasers. Most of the footage and data available comes from people who take up storm chasing as a hobby.

The National Weather Service does not encourage people to take up storm chasing, in fact, since their mission is the protection of life and property from the damaging effects of weather, NWS does all they can to keep people away from dangerous storms. However, the Service does provide training for Tornado and Thunderstorm Spotting, and spotters are a vital link in the heavy weather warning system.

As exciting and dangerous as storm chasing can be, it is probably not the best pastime for an adrenaline junkie. Yes, there will be a lot of adrenaline if you actually find yourself face to face with a tornado, but the chances to actually see a storm up close can be few and far between. Probably the easiest way to enjoy storm chasing is to sign up for a storm chasing tour group.

These can cost thousands of dollars, and even though they take reservations months in advance of tornado season, none of the operators can really guarantee to get you up close and personal with a major storm. You can expect to spend the entire 6-10-day tour crisscrossing the Great Plains in a van with the possibility of seeing nothing more than some beautiful scenery.

Check out F5 Tours, Silver Lining Tours, or Tempest Tours to see what is included in their packages.

lightning strikes | weatherstationary.com

It is possible for a new storm chaser to “go for it alone”, but it is better and safer to find a mentor, an experienced storm chaser who knows what they are doing to show you the ropes. Of course, the best mentors will be someone who has a great deal of storm-chasing experience, and they are also the sort of people who will have little patience with someone who is not going to take the hobby seriously.

An online forum like Stormtrack is a great place to learn about storm chasing and to introduce yourself to experienced storm chasers.

Here are some tips that will help an experienced storm chaser take you seriously. Begin by learning as much about storms and weather as you can.

Training as a storm spotter with the NWS is a good way to show that you take learning about weather seriously.

Making observations on a home weather station and recording them is another way. Remember, you don’t always have to chase storms to learn about them, sometimes they will come to you. Learning to understand everything that your weather station is displaying and what it means is a great education for a beginning storm chaser. With the correct accessories, you can even display your home weather station data on your personal weather website and connect to an online weather station network.

Storm Chaser Equipment & Skills Needed

There are a few skills that storm chasers need to develop in order to get the most out of their hobby. The first is to learn how to monitor a VHF radio for weather alerts from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. Portable VHF radios are probably the most useful because you can leave them plugged in while you are monitoring and take them in the vehicle with you during a chase. Our recommended choice is the Uniden MHS75 that you can find on Amazon.

Last update on 2025-01-22

Last update on 2025-01-22

Consider a vehicle-mounted weather station. We’ve written about this in another article, but in summary, our recommendation is the Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue.

Once you have determined that there is a storm in your area to chase, locate it on a map and program the information into a GPS device. It is best for storm chasers to work as a team of at least two. The driver needs to keep his full concentration on not only the normal hazards of driving, but heavy weather can present sudden and unexpected hazards, such as flooded roads, downed power lines, low visibility, and other confused drivers who are not prepared for the same dangers.

storm-chaser-chasing | weatherstationary.com

One of the team members should take care of all the navigation duties, tracking the storm’s progress from the radio, finding its location on the map, and tracking the data from a GPS device. When the tornado or thunderstorm is in sight, drive parallel to its track to follow it. When it is safe, pull to the side of the road, turn on the hazard flashers, and take pictures of the event. It is best to remain inside the vehicle while recording to protect against a lightning strike.

Even though your team will be tempted to get as close as possible to get the best pictures, keep the following in mind for safety.

The hazards of driving in heavy weather include standing water on the road which can cause hydroplaning and a loss of control, low visibility, hail which can make the road slick and damage the vehicle, and heavy winds that can make it hard to control the vehicle.

Break off the chase and move towards safety when lightning begins striking every 15 seconds or hail begins falling in sheets.

After a successful storm chase, you can submit a recording to the event to a branch of the National Weather Service who will use your images to create a better understanding of weather hazards, post the video on your website or on YouTube, and then congratulate yourself for facing and experiencing Nature’s fury up close and personally.

how to become a storm chaser | weatherstationary.com

The Final Question: Can I Make Money From Storm Chasing?

In all honesty, most will never make a living from storm chasing. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible though. Storm chasers can definitely earn a decent living from multiple streams.

Selling Storm Footage

Based on research done in 2020 online, it seems to be the case that news cases will often be willing to pay $400-$600 for quality storm footage. Take that with a grain of salt: the value of the footage will vary a lot. Certain areas, such as those with higher risk, may pay (substantially) higher too.

Offering Storm Chasing Tours & Expeditions

Once you’re a very experienced storm chaser, you can make money by taking people on tours yourself. It’s entirely possible to earn thousands of dollars from taking other enthusiasts out with you to experience the thrill.

YouTube

Although it’s potentially a less reliable income stream, definitely consider uploading your footage to YouTube & monetizing. Bonus points for personality: viewers will buy into you personally, as much as they will quality storm footage.

 

Lightning detectors might be your interest, check out our recent post on this link; Weather Stations With Lightning Detectors.

Best Weather Station to Buy in 2018

Best Weather Station to Buy in 2018

Update: read our newest 2020 weather station buying guide!

Weather is one of the most common conversations openers in the world. We can talk about it to almost everyone we meet, and even TV channels and websites are committed to it. Although watching the weather channel is informative, having your very own weather station at home is the best way to have real-time updates on the weather. So, let’s discuss what’s the best weather station.

The weather ultimately affects our daily lives, and consumers today are willing to spend just to be prepared for the rain, sun, snow, and wind’s ups and downs. Whether you’re a budget-conscious, a camper, a fisherman, a gardener, or a farmer- there’s a weather station that will be ideal for you.

If you want to understand the choices and the essential factors in buying your weather station, we’ve tested and reviewed many weather stations, and below are our top choices.

 

Top Pick Overall Best Weather Station: AcuRite 01024 Pro 

Key Features:

✔ Weather-Resistant Design  – a high-quality design that can stand from rugged outdoor environments; sun, rain, or dust exposure

✔ HD Color Display – high definition TFT display that records real-time weather updates and organized information layout improving user experience

✔ 5-in-1 Weather Tracker – tracks five extreme weather conditions including the indoor and outdoor temperature, indoor and outdoor humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and rainfall.

✔ Storm Detector – it has a lightning detection feature that detects storms up to 25 miles away and also records the number of lightning strikes

✔ Wireless Connectivity  – it has a reliable 100 meters wireless connectivity range

✔ Customized Alerts – you can set a customized alert for each weather condition when it detects lightning, the sensor will start flashing and beeping

✔ Internal Sensor Fan – sensor comes in with an internal fan to maintain accurate readings throughout the day

Specifications:

Sensors: Rain, Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, and Barometric pressure

Update Interval: 16 seconds real-time updates on the console, 60-second updates on the Internet

Connectivity and Power:  Wireless, Solar powered with battery backup, AC powered with battery backup

The AcuRite 01024 Pro is an affordable weather station for your home or office. The lightning detector is a great feature that helps detect incoming storms. It has a great deal of accuracy at an affordable price, and it’s easy to install.

 

Best Weather Station For Geeks: Ambient Weather WS-2902 

Ambient Weather WS 2902 | WeatherStationary.com

Key Features:

7 Sensors in one unit – Rain Gauge, Wind Vane, Wind Cups, Thermo-Hygrometer, UV / Solar Radiation, Bubble Level, and Solar Collector

Easy to read LCD Display – the Ambient Weather WS-2902 has a large, colored display screen which enhances readability.

10-in-1– it measures indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, wind direction, UV, barometric pressure, and solar radiation

Fast and Better Connectivity – can connect wirelessly through Wi-Fi and can access Weather Underground, and it’s compatible with Alexa and Google assistant (say “Ok Google, Ambient Weather”). Plus it can be connected to IFTTT which enables you to control external devices like sprinklers and more.

Specifications:

Sensors: Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Rain, and Lightning Detector

Update Interval: Updates every 18 to 36 seconds

Connectivity and Power: Wireless, Solar panel for the interior fan, AC powered

The Ambient Weather WS-2902 is perfect for geeks who do not merely want to know the local weather updates but want to gather more specific and complex data to understand what is happening in the atmosphere. Its price range is affordable, considering that it’s a 10-in-1 machine.

 

Best In Design: Netatmo Weather Station

Netatmo Weather Station | WeatherStationary.com

Key Features:

✔ Very Easy Installation – connect it to your computer via USB, configure the location and wireless settings, and install batteries. Place one sensor outside and one inside, that’s it. They will send you updates through your iOS, Android, and Windows phone via Wifi or through a web-based app.

Co2 Sensor and Noise level sensor – it measures noise level and indoor pollution levels of your home. It then sends you alerts so you can air out your home for a healthier environment

It can communicate with other Smart Devices – for example, ‘turn the fan off when the temperature gets cool’ or ‘switch off the sprinkler when it rains

✔ Compatible with Amazon Alexa

Netatmo Weathermap – share your data or access real-time weather data from the Netatmo community around the world

Specifications:

Sensors: Temperature, Humidity, Barometric Pressure, indoor CO2 concentration, and Sound Meter

Update Interval:  Updates every 5 minutes

Connectivity and Power:  Wireless, Indoor module powered by USB wall adapter, Outdoor module is battery powered

Most classic weather stations are outdated and unattractive. The Netatmo Weather Station is not only modern and classy; it has the most advanced features you can have in a weather station. However, the lack of wind data and UV sensors makes it a less contender compared to the do-it-all weather stations in the market.

 

Best Weather Station For Newbies: AcuRite 01512 Wireless Weather Station

AcuRite Wireless Weather Station | WeatherStationary.com

Key Features:

✔ 5-in-1 – consists of five sensors; thermometer, anemometer, wind vane, hygrometer, and rain gauge

Maximum transmission range – it can communicate wirelessly up to 330 ft.

Self-emptying Rain Gauge – provides accurate and reliable rain measurements

Auto brightness dimming technology – the AcuRite 01512 has a large illuminated color display with an auto-dim or manual brightness adjustment

✔ Self-calibrating Console – pulls data from the outdoor sensor right in your backyard and updates weather data of the exact location

Specifications:

Sensors: Rain, Wind speed & wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, Barometric pressure

Update Interval: Updates every 18 to 36 seconds

Connectivity and Power: Wireless, Battery powered

AcuRite 01512 is an impressive, high-quality weather sensor at an affordable price range. If you’re a newbie who’s going to use the weather station for common purposes such as knowing the local weather forecast, then this model is perfect for you. It provides accurate and reliable readings.

 

Best Weather Station For Enthusiasts and Meteorologists: Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Weather Wireless | WeatherStationary.com

Key Features:

✔ Upgradable Sensor – the Vantage Pro2 allows you to add additional sensors like UV and solar radiation, soil moisture, leaf wetness, or whatever meets your needs

Supreme Accuracy – it has a radiation shield that houses the sensor from too much heat and radiation, resulting in more accurate measurements

Long-range transmission – the maximum range is 1000 ft. without walls and obstructions and an option to add wireless repeaters to reach up to 2.7 kilometers

Frequency-hopping Spread Spectrum technology – the first wireless home weather station that uses FHSS

High-quality – the station is constructed of over-molded plastic which prevents moisture from penetrating the electronics

Real-time updates – sends weather updates every 2.5 seconds

Specifications:

Sensors: Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Rainfall (Precipitation), and Barometric Pressure

Update Interval: Updates every 2.5 seconds

Connectivity and Power: Wireless, Solar powered sensor, Console AC powered with backup batteries

The Davis Vantage Pro2 is a worthy investment. You may have to pay a premium, but this weather station is the king when it comes to data accuracy. And it’s expandability is also its selling point. The design of the station it’s outdated, and the additional sensors might be expensive; however, this is one of the most reliable weather machines on the market. 

 

Best Value for Money: Oregon Scientific Wireless Advanced Weather Station

Oregon Scientific Wireless | WeatherStationary.com

Key Features:

✔ Large Display Icons – weather forecasts are displayed in large graphical icons with an orange backlight that is not too bright

Self-setting Atomic Clock – it has a 12-24 hour clock with a time zone offset feature that sets automatically even during DST

Reads up to three remote sensors – gives you the option to add two more sensors to monitor different parts of your house

Straightforward Measurements – measures indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, moon phase, and an Ice Alert with green LED light

Specifications:

Sensors: Indoor and Outdoor Temperature and Humidity

Update Interval: 2.5-20 seconds

Connectivity: Wireless, Battery-powered

If you’re looking for a primary weather station that will provide accurate readings of the temperature and humidity, the Oregon Scientific BAR208HGA is your perfect choice. Unlike the high-tech weather machines, the Oregon Scientific BAR208HGA doesn’t provide much information. However, it’s very affordable, so you get enough of what you pay.

 

Best Weather Station For Gardeners And Farmers: Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue

Davis Vantage 6250 Wireless | WeatherStationary.com

Key Features: 

✔ LCD Console – it features an easy-to-read display with a glow-in-the-dark keypad

Transmission range – transmits wirelessly from the outdoor sensor to the console up to 300 ft. / 1000 ft. (unobstructed)

Real-time weather updates – it sends updates every 2.5 seconds which is 10x faster than most weather stations

Rugged durability and extreme Accuracy – like the Vantage Pro2, this weather station provides accurate readings

Specifications:

Sensors: Indoor and outdoor Temperature, Humidity, Barometric pressure, Wind speed, Wind direction, Heat Index, Dewpoint, and Rainfall

Update Interval: Updates every 10 to 12 seconds

Connectivity and Power: Wireless, Solar panel power, Battery powered console

Davis Instruments 6250 Vantage Vue is more affordable than Vantage Pro2 but has lived up to the latter’s accuracy. Plus it also reads dew point and rainfall, which makes it perfect for gardeners. If you’re a weather junkie who doesn’t care about the Internet and Smartphone connectivity, then the Vantage Vue is ideal for you. 

Why Own A Weather Station?

Why Own A Weather Station?

Selection             Installation             FAQ
Isothermes | Knowledge Center | Why tracking the weather?Since before man learned to walk upright, he has been concerned about the weather. Weather observation through a weather station may actually precede Astronomy as the oldest science.

Stone age man would have poked his nose out of the cave in the morning and realized from past observations that if there was a good deal of wind and dark clouds on the horizon, it was a good day to stay inside the cave and paint pictures on the wall. When agriculture was developed, introducing trade and the beginnings of urbanization, a trader would soon learn that “red sky in the morning” would mean it was not a good day to load his grain on a raft to float it to market.

Unless you spend your entire life indoors, connected to the Internet, the weather in your location has a profound influence on your daily existence. If you are able to detach from the Internet and actually go outside, you will find that knowing the weather conditions is vital to not only the success of whatever activity you choose to engage in, it will impact your health and safety. Speaking of health and safety, there are indoor applications for weather instruments that will help to measure the atmospheric conditions in your home, shop, office, or factory and how they affect the performance of the people inside.

The Atmosphere: It’s Everywhere

Weather takes place in the atmosphere, which is a very large place. It is influenced by the different rates at which the Sun heats the water in the ocean, the rocks of the continents, and how these bodies heat the air above them. These influences may be occurring hundreds or thousands of miles away from where you are living, working, and playing, but with modern technology and communications, we can get a pretty good idea of how they are going to affect the weather in our backyard. We know that an area of unseasonably warm ocean water off the coast will change our local rainfall patterns, or that the shift of a cold water current on the other side of the sea could bring major storms to our area in a few weeks.

A more immediate concern is what is happening right outside our window. There are any number of resources we can turn to in order to see regional conditions, from local TV and Radio news reports to  Internet Weather services. The problem with these reports is that they are going to report Regional Conditions as opposed to what is going on in your own “micro-climate”.

Weather Panel | Knowledge Center | Why tracking the weather?

                  • Knowing that it is raining at the airport is not the same thing as knowing how much is falling on your garden and how often you need to turn on your sprinkler. Knowing how hard the wind is blowing at the local TV station may not tell you whether it is safe to fly your remote control airplanes. Knowing the humidity, heat index, or wind chill at City Hall does not tell you whether you should put on a sweater or not for a walk around your neighborhood.

 

 

Selection

(To view/download the NOAA recommended guide on Choosing a Personal Weather Station CLICK HERE.)

Choosing Your Home Weather Station

There is an incredible variety of weather stations on the market, ranging from the most accurate and expensive instrumentation similar to those found at an International airport or University science department to the so-called “Weather Rock” (“If the rock is wet, it is raining”). Choosing a personal weather station for your home is a matter of balancing the information you need displayed, how easy the system is to install and operate, and how much you are willing to pay.

Gardeners, athletes, students, sportsmen and business people are all affected by the same weather, but the conditions they need to observe may not be the same.

Home systems fall into different categories. There are wireless as opposed to wired systems. Some systems mount all the sensors in a single unit, which is easy to mount (and potentially portable) while others use separate sensors so that each can be mounted where they will read most accurately.

Last update on 2025-01-21

Electronic Weather Instruments and What They Measure

 

Wind

Cup Anemometers | weatherstationary.comA wind sensor is a common reading in home weather stations. Most use a simple cup anemometer which has the advantage of sensing wind speed accurately from any direction and quickly responding to gusts. The propeller-type anemometer is highly accurate and compact, making it a natural choice for handhelds, but its accuracy depends upon keeping its axis aligned with wind direction.

What is a wind vane | weatherstationary.comA wind vane will digitally indicate wind direction, but the unit’s base must be mounted and firmly held at true North. Most mounting instruction packets include information for converting magnetic North readings from a handheld compass to true North.

Rainfall

 

 

Rain Gauge | weatherstationary.comGardeners, landscapers, and homeowners need to follow rainfall amounts. An analog rain gauge is a deceptively simple device; it is simply a straight-sided vessel with an open top. Periodically, the observer will record the depth of water in the vessel after a period of time, the results being inches of rainfall. When making the observation, he will also tip the accumulated water out of the gauge.

An automatic rain gauge measures the amount of rainfall as the rain is falling. The precipitation falls on a circular collection area with a funnel below. The outflow of the funnel is directed into a “self-emptying tipping bucket”. This device is essentially a teeter-totter with a water chamber on either side of the fulcrum. When the chamber on one side fills, the bucket tips and the chamber drains. At the same time, a switch is closed, and the sensor reads the frequency of the switch’s opening and closing. The most accurate tipping bucket systems have an 8-inch collection area and the bucket will tip with the weight of 0.01 inches of precipitation. Some lower resolution systems will not tip until 0.04 inches of precipitation falls.

Temperature and Humidity

What is a thermistor | weatherstationary.comTemperature is measured using an electronic device called a thermistor, which is a resistor whose resistance depends upon temperature. As the temperature changes, so does the voltage of the thermistor circuit, and this is interpreted by the unit as a temperature reading.

Relative humidity, or the percentage of moisture in the air, is measured by an electronic hygrometer. The heart of the device is a material whose conductive properties change as humidity increases or decreases. Relative humidity differs from absolute humidity in that the former is a measurement of how much moisture the air can hold at a certain temperature. At high relative humidity levels, water does not readily evaporate and increased moisture will result in precipitation.

Systems that have temperature and humidity indicators usually have software that will compute the heat index. This is a measure of supposed comfort in an environment. Since the human body regulates its internal temperature by sweating, and the evaporation of sweat is less effective during high humidity, times of high heat and low humidity can be more comfortable and lower on the heat index than periods of high humidity even though the actual temperature is lower.

Another software application that uses readings from two different sensors is wind-chill. Since the transfer of heat away from the body occurs more readily in moving air, the greater the wind during periods of cold, the colder it will feel.

Data Logging

Along with software-based measurements, data logging is an important feature in a weather station. Simple handheld wind gauges often forgo data logging, but more fully-featured models often retain a significant amount of data for later recording, and some can even attach to a computer or smartphone to download readings.

Some home weather stations are designed to connect with a PC or laptop and incorporate a Windows-based interface. Some stations have a permanent base station which both displays and stores data from the sensors. Usually, the base station will also interface with a computer via USB or Wifi.

Many weather hobbyists enjoy connecting their personal weather station to a Personal Weather Station Network like Weather Underground (http://www.wunderground.com/personal-weather-station/signup.asp).

Not only does being part of the network contribute more data points for more accurate climate observation and forecasting, being able to compare data with nearby stations gives an indication of how accurately an individual station is working.

Installation

(To view/download the NOAA recommended guide on Installing a Personal Weather Station click here.)

Selecting a home weather station and learning about the different sensors can be exciting and fun, but deciding where and how to install the station is even more important to get the most out of it.

It is kind of like buying a sports car. It would be great to go out and buy a Lamborghini, but if the only place you can drive it is on crowded city streets, it is a lot less fun.

A sports car needs to be out on the open road, and a personal weather station needs to be out in the weather. Of course, there is more to sitting in your weather station than just putting it outside and turning it on.

Getting the best results will take some consideration and probably some compromise, but when you get it right, you will ensure years of trouble-free and accurate service. 

Ideal Installation

Launching and landing commercial airliners which are carrying hundreds of people requires an intimate knowledge of local weather conditions, so airport operators put a lot of thought into how they install their weather sensors. However, the average home or business owner probably has fewer options than the airport has.

Last update on 2025-01-22

The National Weather Service recommends that temperature/humidity sensors be placed between 4’1” and 6’7” above the ground, a horizontal distance twice the height of the nearest object (twelve feet away from a six foot fence), and not in direct sunlight but in the open air.

An anemometer will ideally be mounted ten meters (32.8 feet) above the ground and a horizontal distance four times the height away from the nearest obstruction. The rain gauge will get its most accurate data if it is four to six feet off the ground and a horizontal distance four times the height away from the nearest obstruction.

Mounting all of the instruments on a single pole with each sensor at the proper height is often the best solution. Just keep in mind that the pole must be sturdy enough to support the weight of the anemometer in heavy winds. The use of guy wires is preferable to seeing your expensive weather station come crashing to the ground.

Installation in the Real World

At the airport, there is plenty of room to meet all of these conditions without getting in anyone’s way. In town, it may not be so simple, especially if you need to consider restrictions placed by a homeowners association or even the reality of a small yard.

The design of the station itself may place some restrictions on your installation. There is no way to place the rain gauge a few feet off the ground and the wind gauge five times higher with an “all in one” weather station. However, from an engineering standpoint, such a design is incredibly simple to install, just find a pole that meets the manufacturer’s recommendations and you are good to go.

Getting the data from outside at the sensors to the base station inside also needs to be taken into consideration.  Most wireless stations are rated with a “line of sight” transmission distance, but building construction and electromagnetic interference may reduce the radio transmitter’s range.

A wired station is less vulnerable to interference so long as the wire is protected from damage.

Stations with separate sensors often use wires to connect the sensors to a central power or sending unit. Some systems have a solar charging option to keep the batteries fresh or they may incorporate an external power source. Other designs use internal batteries which must be refreshed occasionally.

Although there are many factors to be considered for installation of your weather station, most manufacturers have useful recommendations in the installation instructions.

Many companies will have a helpline that will provide installation advice over the telephone or online. The National Weather Service also provides some useful guidelines.

1. How Does WeatherStationary Select The Weather Stations It Sells?

We are located in Wyoming, where the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains come together, so we are no strangers to extreme weather. We are also in a position to enjoy some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities anywhere, so long as the weather cooperates!

We select our weather stations and instruments based on several factors, but they generally boil down to one thing: providing our customers with the best value for the money. One of the first things we look at is how easy the system is to install and use. A rugged, easy-to-install unit will provide better service and results than a more sensitive system that requires more adjustment.

Even if a system seems simple to install and use, we feel that it is important for the manufacturer to have a reliable support network in place. All of the companies we work with provide easy-to-understand user manuals, and they go the extra mile with a well-staffed helpline. Keep in mind that the sensors in your weather station are sensitive electronic instruments. The call center staff has “heard it all” and will be a huge help to answer your questions and troubleshoot any problems you have during installation.

Finally, there is the money factor. We have selected the weather stations that allow us to give the best price to our customers. Naturally, you get what you pay for, but we know that everyone appreciates a good deal!

 

2. What Do I Do If There Is No Data Or Faulty Data Displayed On My Console?

Refer to the literature provided with your station for specific troubleshooting guidance, but a few general guidelines apply to most weather stations. If all of the data is displayed on the console screen but is much higher or lower than expected, a common problem is the unit set, which may be in metric or imperial units. Set the units to those most appropriate to users observing your station.

If all of the data points on the console are either blank or fully black, reboot the console. This is usually accomplished by removing any backup batteries and disconnecting the AC adapter for 10-20 seconds. The console will begin a reboot cycle when power is restored.

If the console displays partial data, there may be a problem with the sensors or the transmitter(s). Before getting on the ladder, go ahead and reboot the console, if this does not correct the fault, check the power for the faulty sensor and its associated transmitter. Note: If more than one sensor uses a common transmitter but there is a faulty reading from only one, the fault is likely in the sensor rather than the transmitter.

3. Will The Mounting Pole Affect Wind Direction Readings?

Most units are designed with the wind vane and anemometer mounted at the top so that it will always be in free-moving air. There are weather station designs that place the vane and anemometer below the sensor housing, but wind tunnel testing has shown that interference from the mounting pole does not affect the wind readings, so long as the unit has been mounted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

4. How Can I Share The Data From My Weather Station WithOthersIn My Area?

Systems from Davis Instruments are designed so that the Integrated Sensor Suite is the only transmitter in the system, but the signal may be received by any number of compatible consoles. A single ISS installed on the highest building of campus could provide weather data to several different labs and offices.

Weather data can also be shared via the Internet, as long as the owner/operator of the station chooses to connect with the ‘net. If the software bundled with your station does not allow for Internet sharing there are aftermarket software outlets for all of the popular weather stations. WiFi-enabled receivers to allow station data to be uploaded to the Internet without turning on your primary PC.

Station operators may choose to share their data via a Personal Weather Station Network like Weather Underground. By reading the data from nearby weather enthusiasts, the data from their local station becomes more meaningful, predictions become more accurate, and it is simple to verify that your own station is performing accurately. However, the data from the network will never be as accurate for your local micro-climate as the data from your own station.

 

5. What Tools Will I Need To Install My Weather Station?

Different models will have different installation parameters, but they are generally designed to be “plug and play” and installation is well with the reach of a home handyman. An adjustable wrench and screwdriver are all that are needed to mount the sensors to the mounting pole. Attaching the pole to a structure or post may require heavier tools and hardware, but it is no more difficult than mounting a television antenna.

One required special tool is a compass or local map to align the wind vane with true North. Keep in mind that uncompensated hand-held compasses will point to magnetic North rather than true North. If the declination is not figured in there will be a permanent error in your wind direction readings (although it will be a consistent error in all directions). Declination data can be found on USGS topographical maps or by looking it up at http://www.magnetic-declination.com/.

 

6. The Wind Is Gusting But The Wind-Chill Reading On My Console Does Not Change. Why?

The wind chill is a calculated data point rather than a measured one. The formula for figuring wind-chill is based on air temperature and wind speed, but since it is an indication of how cold the environment feels, most systems use average wind speed rather than current wind speed. Therefore, if the wind increases for a few seconds, the wind chill will not drop right away.

 

7. The Transmission Range Of My Weather Station Is 1000’ (300m). Can I Really Mount The Unit That Far Away From My House?

Transmission ranges are generally listed as “line of sight”, which allows for some wiggle room in radio ranges. When we say “line if sight”, it means that if the transmitter at the sensor suite is sitting in the open air, and the receiver in the console is also sitting in the open air with nothing between the two, then data will be transferred even if the units are 1000’ apart. Note that “line of sight” is not the same as “ideal conditions”, there are several examples of low-powered transmitters and receivers getting a signal through for miles. However, in the real world of your backyard, there may be trees, power lines, metal buildings, and walls between the transmitter and receiver, any and all of which may reduce the transmission range.

Most wireless weather station manufacturers offer radio repeaters that will boost a low signal to give it a longer range. The repeater will be tuned to each manufacturer’s units and may be used to extend the range up to several miles.

08. I Know That It Has Been Raining But My Rainfall Gauge Does Not Indicate Any Precipitation Or Gives A Lower Than Expected Indication. What Should I do?

The tipping bucket rain gauge is an ingeniously simple and reliable instrument with very little that can actually go wrong. Quite often, lower than expected readings occur simply because Mother Nature does not always spread rainfall evenly over a small area. This is particularly noticeable during short cloud bursts. How often does a friend across town call and complain about forgetting her umbrella while it is sunny and clear at your house?

One way to verify that your rainfall gauge is working is to slowly pour a measured amount of water through the device, about 100ml over a period of 5 minutes. If the water flows too fast, most of it will spill out without tipping the bucket, but a slow pour should yield a measurable result.

Spiked Rain Gauge | weatherstationary.comRain gauge funnels also seem to attract wildlife. Birds and insects have been known to nest in rain gauge funnels, or debris may block the funnel screen. If birds roosting in your rain gauge becomes a problem, you may consider installing bird spikes which will keep birds from landing on your gauge without interfering with raindrops being collected.

9. What If I Am Not Getting A Rainfall Reading And I Just Installed The System?

You may be able to remove the cover and funnel from the rain gauge by gently pulling the cover off (be careful not to pull the whole rain gauge off of the weather station). Inspect that there is no debris or damage preventing the tipping mechanism from working. Manually tip the mechanism with your fingers. A slight clicking should be heard as the counter engages. If the manual tips do not register on your display console, there may be failed switch or wiring defect. Contact the customer service number for your device’s manufacturer. In most cases, the rain gauge is easily replaced in the field and will require no calibration.

10. The Air Temperature Reading From My Station Is Much Higher Than The Old Dial Thermometer I Have Had In The Yard For Years. What Is Happening?

False high-temperature readings are common in roof-mounted installations, even when the manufacturer’s instructions are followed. Most will specify that the unit is to be mounted several feet above the surface of a roof, or above a paved surface. Since these materials absorb a lot of solar energy which radiated and heat. Generally, the air temperature sensor is mounted far enough above the radiation source (the roof or pavement) that air movement (wind) will normally correct the reading. However, during periods of low or no wind, surface radiation may heat the air immediately around the sensor to the point that it appears to be a false reading. If raising the sensor mounting higher is not practical, consider placing a lighter-colored material immediately under the sensor. This will cause the surface to reflect rather than absorb solar radiation. If neither of these steps is acceptable, the only option is to find an alternate mounting location or accept that the air temperature reading will be high during low wind conditions.

11. The Barometric Pressure Displayed On My Console Is Obviously Too High Or Too Low. What Will Cause This?

The electronic pressure gauge which acts as the barometer in your weather station is a rather simple and reliable device. It is made up of a force collector and a strain gauge. The Strain gauge measures the change in electrical resistance of a metal or semiconductor as mechanical force is applied to it. These are calibrated at the factory and generally not user adjustable.

However, erroneous readings are often the result of installers forgetting to input the altitude or making the input in feet rather than meters.

Keep in mind that barometric trends are often more useful than the actual numerical reading. If pressure is higher than it was an hour ago, the weather is likely clearing. If the pressure is steady, the same weather conditions will continue, and a falling barometer indicates that a storm may be approaching. If the barometer falls rapidly, the storm may be a violent one!

12. How Does My Weather Station Generate A Weather Prediction? Is There Any Way To Generate A More Detailed And Reliable Prediction Than The Standard Icons?

Sometimes what is happening with the weather now will not be as important to you as what the weather will be doing in the near future. If your display console displays a weather prediction, the unit generates that prediction based on an algorithm that uses current weather condition factors as well as some past data. Each manufacturer will use its own algorithm, which is based mostly on barometric pressure trends. For years, sailors at sea were able to make reliable predictions based on their ship’s barometer and the conditions they saw around them. More sophisticated algorithms will take other weather conditions into consideration, but barometric pressure is usually the most closely tracked trend.

Your local TV station or favorite weather website may provide a more detailed forecast than the simple “Sunny”, “Cloudy”, “Partly Cloudy”, “Rainy” or “Snowy” icon displayed on your personal console. Although these outlets use an algorithm that is rather similar to that used by your personal weather station, they have the advantage of a much larger data set, including readings from hundreds of weather stations just like yours, pulse-Doppler radar, radiosonde data, and some of the most sophisticated computers on the planet.

It pays to follow the predictions from commercial and government sources to compare with your personal forecast. In the end, whether it is from the biggest computers at the NOAA or a Boy Scout reciting “Red Sky At Morning…” on a camping trip, any forecast is simply a guess based on past observations and the available data. The more you observe the weather with your station, the better you will become at anticipating environmental conditions for your location.

You can also check our latest review on Netatmo Weather Station.