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Weather Reading Instruments

Weather reading instruments are used by meteorologists, scientists and other analysts to help forecast and predict weather events. Besides being used by climate professionals, weather instruments are also used by people for common tasks such as measuring precipitation amounts after a rain shower or determining the current temperature outside. Weather reading instruments have been around for centuries and continue to make advancements.

Thermometer
- A thermometer is used to determine the temperature of the weather. Measurement is done in terms of Fahrenheit, Celsius and Kelvin. The most common measurement of temperature in the United States is Fahrenheit, while much of the rest of the world uses Celsius, and scientists use Kelvin. A thermometer works by using mercury or alcohol, which expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Numbers are placed on the side of the thermometer, which indicate the temperature in relation to how high or how low the liquid inside is.
Barometer
- A barometer measures atmospheric pressure pressing down on the earth's surface. The two main types of barometers are aneroid and mercury. The glass tube of the mercury barometer is filled with mercury; the bottom end of the tube is curved upward and open to the air, while the top end of the mercury barometer is closed with a glass bubble and contains no air. Changes in air pressure cause the mercury to rise and fall. The aneroid barometer has a small metal box, which expands and contracts according to the air pressure, allowing measurement with an indicator mechanism. Weather forecasters use barometers to observe air pressure changes, which help indicate weather trends.
Anemometer
- An anemometer measures wind speed and pressure across the earth's surface. Weather stations rely on anemometers in order to provide accurate weather forecasts and reports. Steady improvements have been made to anemometers over the years, with today's most sophisticated anemometers utilizing lasers and ultrasonic air waves to provide measurements.
Rain Gauge
- Rain gauges are used to measure the total amount of rain and other forms of fallen precipitation. A common home rain gauge consists of a plastic tube or wedge with measurement increments on the side. Weather offices typically use a standard eight-inch rain gauge, which consists of a large cylinder with a funnel and a smaller measuring tube in the inside. An alternative to the standard rain gauge is the tipping bucket rain gauge, which uses gravity. The tipping gauge is good at measuring drizzle and light rainfall; however it has difficulty keeping up with heavy rain from a thunderstorm.

Nature