Home >> Science & Nature >> Nature

How to Obtain the Accurate Outdoor Temperature

Using a thermometer to record an accurate outdoor temperature is a more difficult task than it first appears. First, two or more thermometers will always differ slightly in their readings. Second, the outside air temperature in any area is affected by everything in that area, including direct sunlight, concrete, asphalt, buildings and machinery in close proximity to the thermometer. Man-made objects and machines will greatly affect a temperature reading, and direct sunlight or close proximity to any building may greatly increase or decrease a thermometer's reading. A few simple steps must be followed to achieve an accurate temperature reading.

Things You'll Need

3 or more outdoor thermometers
Wooden or metal stake
Hammer
Ruler or measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Identify the proper locations for each thermometer. For an accurate reading, an outdoor thermometer must be placed away from buildings, air-conditioning units, concrete and asphalt. The thermometers should be positioned out of direct sunlight; high hills or low valleys should also be avoided as sites.
- 2
  Hammer a wooden or metal stake into the ground where the first thermometer will be located. The stake should rise 4 to 5 feet from the ground for optimal airflow to the thermometer.
- 3
  Attach the thermometer to the stake at the appropriate height. Follow the same procedure for two or more thermometers in different locations.
- 4
  Read the temperature on each thermometer at the same time. Ideally, the temperatures should be read simultaneously, but this requires multiple people which is not always possible. Attempt to read each thermometer within the span of five minutes or less, and then average those readings for the most accurate temperature.

Nature