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How to Monitor Weather

Keeping tabs on local weather can be an educational and rewarding experience, and can be vital when planning outdoor activities. With just a few tools from the local hardware store, anyone can become an amateur meteorologist. Monitoring weather involves maintaining a routine and having an eye for detail. All of the basic weather instruments are simple to use, and digital instruments make seeing and recording data faster than ever. An accurate weather log that goes back many years can become a forecasting tool, as well as a reminder of past weather events.

Things You'll Need

Outdoor thermometer
Hygrometer
Anemometer
Rain Gauge

Instructions

- 1
  Install the monitoring instruments outside. Keep the thermometer out of direct sunlight and away from structures, as this can lead to inaccurate readings. The rain gauge and anemometer should be at least 3 feet off the ground in an open area.
- 2
  Decide on a monitoring schedule. Many people take temperature readings first thing in the morning and again during late afternoon. These times will provide approximate high and low temperatures for the day. Use the notebook to record all data.
- 3
  Check humidity with the hygrometer every time you check temperature.
- 4
  
  A strong breeze is good for flying kites.
  
  Note wind speed and direction. Many anemometers today have digital readouts. Pay attention to shifts in direction, as this may indicate an imminent change in weather.
- 5
  
  Heavy snow can sometimes accumulate to several feet in depth.
  
  Measure rain or snow accumulation when the precipitation has stopped. Make note of the intensity of the precipitation, whether heavy, light or intermittent.
- 6
  
  A mostly sunny sky invites people outdoors.
  
  Describe the sky conditions. Clear, partly cloudy, and overcast are examples of possible sky conditions. Notice if conditions change during the day.
- 7
  Write a brief summary of the day's weather highlights before bed every night. Use spreadsheet software to enter numerical data. Keep an ongoing long, and local climate patterns will eventually begin to emerge from the data.

Nature