Pam Ponders

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

Rain gauges come in all styles and sizes ; from a basic glass or plastic jar with increments on the side to gauge rainfall, to a wireless electronic rain gauge that can be placed anywhere in your garden, which will remotely record rainfall information,eg rainfall average and current total, rainfall rate an hour and daily, weekly and monthly totals.  There also are self-emptying models that allow you to measure the quantity of rainfall over a long period of time. 

A device used to determine the velocity of the wind is known as an anemometer, or wind gauge.  In its most basic form, it is a cup anemometer, composed of 4 hemispherical shafts mounted horizontally on a vertical shaft.  Wind gauges can be separated into two broad groups : hand-held and fixed.  A hand-held anemometer will typically only display the current wind strength.  A fixed wind gauge measures the wind speed at a given location additionally to providing historic measurements,eg maximum gust and average wind speed. 

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

A barometer measures the atmospheric pressure and may be employed to work out if the pressure is falling or rising or is steady ; so providing a good indicator of the weather in the future.  Barometers are so very much more than a weather instrument, however.  They can truly be an artistic work.  Decorative barometers add beauty and style to the walls of many homes.  As with lots things, technology has caught up with barometers too, so digital barometers are now generally available and just as in the instruments above, can be employed to gauge atmospheric changes ; helping in a more accurate picture of the coming weather. 

A weather vane’s job, in simple terms is to measure and gauge from which direction the wind is blowing, which is a key component to any weather outlook.  As with a barometer, they can also be a pretty addition to your garden or pergola roof top.  There are an almost unlimited range of designs styles to choose from ; the more favored styles include birds, animals, sports and others.  There are craftsmen out there who can give you your own hand crafted, specialty weather vane. 

Whether bundled as a central weather station or bought separately, all of these weather recording instruments are generally available.  No matter what the reasons behind your need to record the weather,eg a hobby to record rainfall info thru the employment of rain gauges or a daily occurrence as an element of your profession, enjoy the weather whatever may come your way.