3 Beginners Tips on How to Read a Weather Station Display
If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably already familiar with the objective of a weather station and want to learn more about how to operate and read a weather station. The best aspect is that these devices may be used to measure practically everything related to the weather.
Weather stations offer exact measurements of the outside and interior environments, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, air pressure, and dew points.
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If you are a first-time user, it is critical to consult a user guide to identify all strange symbols and their functions. Because of all the varied statistics, they see on the screen, new users may become perplexed. Don’t be fooled by the display’s newness! We’ve done our best to give you the most straightforward explanation on how to interpret those figures.
Let’s have a look at how to read the data on the weather station’s display without further ado.
How to Read a Weather Station – The Primary Variables
Here, we’ll look at the most significant weather factors in this section, how to detect them, and what the data says.
1. Humidity
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. The humidity value on the weather station display is represented by a percentage (%) indicator on the right. Weather stations, which may be located alongside the temperature readings, indicate the humidity levels of the region outside and within your home.
The real-time humidity levels, for example, are shown immediately under the outdoor and indoor temperatures on the Ambient Weather WS 2902.
Humidity levels that are most pleasant and optimal should be between 25 and 55 %. If there is a lot of moisture or water vapor in the air, it feels heavy and makes things sticky. The environment seems dry and unpleasant when the humidity level is less than 25%.
2. Temperature
Weather stations display the inside and exterior temperatures of the house. It’s simple to locate the temperature measurement because any number beginning with a °F or °C denotes the temperature.
The highest and lowest temperatures of the day are recorded by most weather stations, allowing you to calculate an approximate average of the total temperature. You may need to reset the temperature bar every day at a specific hour on older or less expensive devices.
3. Wind Speed & Direction
The velocity at which air flows past a given location is known as wind speed. When air flows from high-pressure to low-pressure areas, the wind speed changes. Wind speed is measured in miles per second (m/s) and is updated by weather stations in small intervals of seconds.
Almost all weather station types offer wind speed measurements on their primary display. The Davis 6250 Vantage Vue, for example, displays the wind direction as an easy-to-read picture of a circle with identified directions.
4. Barometric / Air Pressure
Don’t be alarmed by this supposedly scientific term!
Barometric pressure is the weight of the atmosphere that surrounds us in basic terms. This pressure is expressed in a variety of measures, including inches (in), millibars (mb), and inches of mercury (Hg), among others. On most weather stations, you may select your preferred unit of measurement.
The average barometric pressure on land is around 29.92 Hg. If the pressure is a few numbers above or below this range, you may feel the impact on your body.
The barometric pressure is generally displayed on the weather station’s primary screen. Consider the AcuRite Weather Station, where the pressure is displayed with the temperature on the screen. The device’s clean design helps the readings stand out and makes them simpler to interpret.
Advanced Weather Station Features
So far, we’ve discussed the basic characteristics that all weather stations offer, but because the weather stations we mentioned in our last blog have a lot more, let’s have a look at some of the additional measures that weather stations give.
1. Ultraviolet Radiation
To avoid sunburns and the danger of skin cancer, we must shield our skin from excessive doses of UV light. Our weather stations’ UV radiation readings allow us to efficiently arrange our time in the sun without exposing ourselves to such negative consequences.
UV radiations are often measured in milliWatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2).
2. Degree of rain
Rainfall rates are also an optional element on some weather station models. On most devices with this feature, the readings are called “RAIN” and are measured in inches.
Tips for Weather Station Beginners
We’ve compiled a list of tried-and-true advice to assist you in better understanding your weather stations. While setting up your weather station, you may expect reliable weather measurements and long-term gadget reliability if you follow these guidelines.
The accuracy of the readings provided by your weather station is highly dependent on its location. Here’s a list of places where the various components of your weather station should be placed to receive reliable data.
1. Sensors for temperature and humidity (Essentials)
There should be no trees, buildings, vents, or other impediments in the way of these sensors. We expect them to avoid places where the temperature of their surroundings could be influenced. Consequently, experts advise that we set them at least 5 feet above the ground while also avoiding placing them too high. The sensors must also be maintained away from direct sunlight and rain.
2. Rain Gauge
Install the rain gauge on a level surface, such as the ground in your backyard, and at least 5 feet above it. Because the surface must be level for reliable readings, it’s recommended not to hang it from a tree or a railing.
3. Anemometer for Measuring Wind Speed
As anemometers need precision, they should be put in high-traffic areas like rooftops and fence posts. As a result, make sure the anemometer is at least 10 times higher than any potential hazards. Above all, it needs to be at least 30 feet off the ground.
Final Verdict
We hope you find this article helpful and that it is as easy to understand as we intended. So, now that you’ve mastered the fundamentals, it’s time to go to work on your weather reports.
If you experiment with your weather station while keeping these suggestions in mind, you’ll find that it’s as simple to use as your smartphone!
