Considering A Garden Rain Gauge Or Other Weather Instrument?

By Bradford Tamlin

There are many devices on the market today to help you understand existing weather conditions and even predict upcoming weather patterns. There are devices available that determine wind speed and direction, monitor temperatures, measure atmospheric pressure, and as in rain gauges, evaluate rainfall amounts. A garden rain gauge, weather vane, wind gauge, thermometer and barometer are all available to help you get a more accurate picture of your community weather.

A standard eight inch garden rain gauge consists of a receiving funnel, a measuring tube and a measuring stick. It is generally supported on a wood or metal post or stand. The measuring stick is usually marked in either inches or millimeters. To obtain a precise rainfall measurement, you just position the measuring stick inside the measuring tube and read the amount on the stick. Electronic models remotely itemize rainfall data in daily, weekly and monthly rainfall totals, averages and rates per hour. You can also get a garden rain gauge that is self-emptying. This allows you to record rainfall amounts over much longer periods of time.

A device used to determine the velocity of the wind is known as an anemometer, or wind gauge. In its most basic format, is made up of four hemispherical shafts mounted horizontally on a vertical shaft, and is called a cup anemometer. Wind gauges can be segregated into two specific groups: hand-held and fixed. A hand-held anemometer will usually only display the existing wind strength. A fixed wind gauge determines the wind speed at a particular site in addition to providing historical computations, such as maximum gust and average wind speed.

A thermometer is, of course, used to calculate the temperature. Thermometers have become much more advanced since the time of a simple mercury thermometer. Now wireless is enormously popular, because from the comfort of your favorite recliner, you can check the present, minimum or maximum temperatures and have it displayed in Celsius or Fahrenheit. You can also get a garden rain gauge thermometer that takes temperature readings as well as a rainfall measurement.

A barometer measures the atmospheric pressure and can be used to see if the pressure is rising or falling or is steady; thus providing a good indicator of the weather in the near future. However, barometers are a lot more than just a weather instrument. They can even be a work of art. Ornamental barometers add beauty and style to the walls of a lot of homes. Technology has caught up with barometers, so digital barometers are now commonly available and just as in the aforementioned instruments, can be used to measure atmospheric changes; aiding in a more precise picture of the upcoming weather.

Quite simply, a weather vane's function is to measure and gauge the direction of the wind, which is an important element to any weather forecast. As with a barometer, they can also be a beautiful addition to your backyard or marquee roof top. There are an almost infinite range of designs and styles to choose from; the more popular styles include sports, animals, birds and others. There are also craftsmen available who can create a hand-made, specialty weather vane for you.

Weather stations typically bundle several, if not all of these instruments together so that you are able to get a better global picture of current weather conditions, as well as to be able to predict future occurrences. A wind gauge, garden rain gauge, weather vane, anemometer and barometer can each provide you with a quick look of what is going on right outside your door. Oftentimes several of these instruments are sold together in a weather station for quick reference and added convenience. No matter why the weather fascinates you, it is an interesting and ever-changing pastime. - 30228

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