What is a Weather Station

What is a Weather Station
Posted in: Measuring Weather

What is a Weather Station

A weather station is a device that collects data related to the weather and environment using many different sensors. Weather stations are also called weather centers, personal weather stations, professional weather stations, home weather stations, weather forecaster and forecasters.

Weather stations include weather tools such as a thermometer to take temperature readings, a barometer to measure the pressure in the atmosphere, as well as other sensors to measure rain, wind, humidity, and more. Weather stations range from simple analog technology to digital technology. Some connect to the AcuRite Access which sends your sensor data to My AcuRite or connect through Wi-Fi to send data to Weather Underground

 

AcuRite Analog and Digital Weather Stations

 

Video: The Unpredictable Weather Guys explain why weather stations are unique compared to online weather websites and phone weather apps.

 

 

Weather station data can be used to gauge current weather conditions and to predict the future weather forecast, like temperature high / lows, cloud cover, and the probability of precipitation. Weather stations are used by meteorologists, weather buffs, gardeners, farmers, outdoor enthusiasts, students, pilots – anyone who enjoys weather data or relies on the weather to make decisions.  

Types of Sensors

The following is a list of measurement devices that are included with AcuRite home weather stations:

  • Thermometer - A thermometer measures temperature. AcuRite weather stations measure both the temperature indoors and outdoors, record highs and lows, show trend arrows to indicate temperature rising or falling, and even predict short-term future temperature ranges.
  • Hygrometer - A hygrometer measures relative humidity. Relative humidity is the quantity or percentage of water vapor (water in gas form) in the air. Measuring humidity influences environmental factors and calculations like precipitation, fog, dew point, and heat index. In addition, maintaining proper humidity indoors has implications for your health and home.
  • Barometer - A barometer measures atmospheric pressure. A barometer can help to forecast upcoming weather based on the changes it measures in the atmospheric pressure. Some AcuRite weather stations feature a barometric pressure history chart or a pressure trend arrow so you can easily track pressure changes, like a pressure drop.
  • Anemometer - An anemometer measures how fast the wind is blowing, or wind speed. AcuRite weather stations track wind speed and display current wind speed (in MPH, KPH or knots) and record peak and average wind speed readings.
  • Wind Vane - A wind vane, or weather vane, is an instrument that tracks wind direction to determine which direction the wind is blowing. AcuRite weather stations display this information using a 16 point wind rose.

    AcuRite wind vane

  • Rain Gauge - A rain gauge measures rainfall, or liquid precipitation, and rainfall trends. AcuRite weather stations include rainfall alerts to notify you when a rain event has begun, or to alert you of potential flood conditions.

AcuRite HD display on a table

AcuRite Weather Station Sensors

AcuRite's collection of digital weather stations feature weather monitoring sensors that take measurements and collect atmospheric data right from your backyard. Using wireless technology, the data collected is sent to a display console in your home. AcuRite weather stations come with the following sensors: the Atlas™, 5-in-1 Sensor, the 3-in-1 Sensor, and the Tower Sensor.

Atlas weather sensor
Atlas™ Weather Sensor

The AcuRite Atlas sensor measures temperature, humidity, UV index, light intensity, wind speed and direction, and rainfall. The Atlas sends data to the indoor HD display where you can view both your indoor and outdoor information at a glance. Pair the sensor with the AcuRite Access to track your data online through My AcuRite or Weather Underground.

PRO+ Weather Sensor
PRO+ 5-in-1 Weather Sensor

The Pro 5-in-1 Weather Sensor includes a thermometer, hygrometer, anemometer, wind vane and self-emptying rain gauge – all in one easy-to-install sensor. The indoor display console included with 5-in-1 weather stations contains sensors to measure the barometric pressure, indoor temperature and humidity. This allows you to track changes in temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall and barometric pressure to generate a forecast of future weather conditions personalized for your exact location.

3-in-1 Weather Sensor
3-in-1 Weather Sensor

The 3-in-1 weather sensor includes a thermometer, hygrometer and anemometer – all in one easy-to-install sensor. The indoor display console included with 3-in-1 weather stations contains sensors to measure the barometric pressure, indoor temperature and humidity. This allows you to track changes in temperature, humidity, wind speed and barometric pressure to generate a forecast of future weather conditions personalized for your exact location.

Tower Sensor
Wireless Temperature and Humidity Sensor

The Wireless Temperature and Humidity Sensor included in AcuRite weather stations includes a thermometer and hygrometer. The indoor digital display included with most weather stations contain sensors to measure the barometric pressure, indoor temperature and humidity. This allows you to track changes in temperature, humidity and barometric pressure to generate a forecast of future weather conditions personalized for your exact location.

January 10, 2017
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