It is clear that weather forecasting is only predictable up to a certain point. This is due to the huge number of differing influences that can affect a predictable climate. Topography, sea temperature, wind speed, city heat islands.....these are just some of the variables that mean weather forecasting is unlikely to ever be an exact science.However general patterns exist and simply by measuring the weather and noticing its trends, you can get a pretty good idea yourself of what sort of weather is on its way.So how do we measure the weather? Well technology has advanced so much that we can all measure the weather wirelessly from the comfort of our own home.
The main devices you will need to measure your weather are a Barometer (to measure air pressure), a thermometer (for outdoor temperature), an anemometer (or wind gauge, to measure wind speed) and a weathervane (for wind direction). There are other items you could add to this list such as a a pluviometer (rain gauge) and hygrometer (measuring moisture content in the atmosphere). And of course more advanced wireless weather stations will contain each of the above mentioned capabilities.
1. Barometers. Barometric Pressure is the pressure of the atmosphere over the surface of the Earth. Barometric Pressure, also known as Air Pressure, is easily measured using a Barometer. These devices measure air pressure most commonly with mercury or water. Barometers come in all shapes and sizes and are frequently sought for their ornamental or decorative value as much as a tool for weather forecasting. But these days a wireless outdoor barometer is cheap and accurate, and essential for you to measure the pressure trends in the weather.
2. Thermometers. Wireless thermometers are now becoming increasingly popular as they enable the user to monitor outdoor temperatures from the comfort of their own home. Also they measure the maximum and minimum temperatures. So if you are expecting a record low temperature overnight, you don’t have to stay up all night checking!
3.Anemometer. (wind gauge)An Anemometer, or Wind Gauge, is a device used to measure the speed of the wind. The simplest type of wind gauge is the cup-anemometer, consisting of four hemispherical cups mounted horizontally to each other on a vertical shaft Generally Anemometers can be broadly split into 2 groups, Hand Held and Wireless.The benefit of a hand held anemometer is that you can take it wherever you are, at the top of a mountain or on a cliff face overlooking the ocean, and record the wind speed at that exact moment. A wireless anemometer however allows you to take the wind speed at a fixed point and is often incorporated within wireless weather stations. It is important with a fixed wind gauge to ensure that it is as high as possible above the ground to reduce interfering eddy currents from nearby buildings. On the top of your roof is generally a good position or if you have a large open garden then place it at the end furthest away from buildings, trees and walls.
4. Weathervane. Weathervanes (also know as wind vanes) have been used throughout history as a means to gauge wind direction. They are a device attached to any elevated object to indicate the wind direction. Often a weathervane will be incorporated in your fixed anemometer. Of course wind direction is less accurately measured simply by being outside and gauging which direction the breeze is coming from, or which direction the clouds are moving. Now that you have all these variables you are already your own weather forecaster. You can watch trends in the barometric pressure to see if the pressure is rising or falling, the variations in temperature and wind speed and direction. What else can a weatherman tell you?
With a little dedication maybe you will start your own weather diary or weather blog and publish your own particular weather conditions and trends for the world to see. Or pit your wits against the professionals and see if you can begin to forecast better than they! Whatever the weather, enjoy it!
Mark Boardman BSc dip.hyp
http://www.agloriousfuture.com
http://www.happyandwell.com
Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com
