Monitoring Changing Conditions: Weather Stations
At an outdoor concert during the Indiana State Fair in 2011, wind gusts reaching an estimated 59 miles per hour caused the stage’s rigging to collapse. The resulting debris landed on the crowd of concert-goers injuring 58 and killing seven. In February, 2012, an EF2 tornado hit the small town of Harveyville, Kansas, injuring 12 people and killing one. Every building in the community sustained some damage. In February, 2013, extensive power outages plagued the Northeast United States as a blizzard carrying two to three feet of snow slammed into New England.
According to a report from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the US experienced a preliminary total of eleven billion dollars in weather-related disasters in 2012.1 From Hurricane Sandy to the national drought to Western wildfires, weather influenced everything from the cost of fruit to, potentially, the 2012 Presidential election. As weather conditions develop, it helps to stay in tune with what’s coming. Menacing clouds and unrelenting sun can each create their own hazards.
Using Weather Stations
While listening to weather forecasts is one way to track changing conditions, those with their own weather stations get instant reports for their location rather than delayed updates from a centralized station many miles away. Weather stations can measure and record barometric pressure, outside humidity and dew point, rainfall, wind speed and direction, inside and outside temperature, and windchill. With this information, weather enthusiasts, researchers, and even professional weather watchers can gather data to help prepare for severe disturbances.
Commercially, those working in weather-critical professions rely on weather stations to monitor variables. "From the US Coast Guard to oil refineries to coal-fired power plants, and local airports, we’ve heard from a variety of station users seeking to choose the best model for their planned use," said Jon Thomson, Cole-Parmer Application Specialist. "We’ve heard from scientists who manage wildlife and want a record of the microclimate in their location. Government workers who require the data for the National Weather Service have also contacted us with questions about weather stations and their functionality."
With everyone from private individuals to field professionals using the stations, the market has expanded. Multiparameter units offer add-on modules and other accessories for enhanced capabilities. "Modules can be added to some stations to gather data for more specific analysis," said Chris Frillmann, Application Specialist.
How to Choose a Weather Station
A range of basic instruments to advanced weather stations are available. Some stations provide cumulative data such as rainfall at 15-minute, hourly, monthly and yearly intervals plus amounts for each of the last 24 storms.Those with solar radiation sensors can provide the temperature-humidity-sun-wind index, along with a greater awareness of the dangers of excessive sun exposure. Agricultural users can use additional sensors to log evapotranspiration, leaf wetness, soil moisture, and soil temperature.
With a variety of options and price points, here are several criteria to consider when choosing a weather station:
Which variables will be measured?
Home users may be satisfied with the basic package of weather data. Weather buffs may want more details on wind speed and dominant wind direction. Commercial or agricultural users may desire all the information available. Create a list of what is needed. Are the highs and lows, totals, and averages for weather conditions, with time and/or date, necessary? Is any additional functionality needed for a particular application? For example, Integrated Pest Management modules can be used by farmers to assess risk potential by using weather data from a specific location and integrating it into research-based pest algorithms.
What is the accuracy?
Does the manufacturer provide specifications on tested accuracy for their units? If so, users can compare these levels of accuracy to meet their requirements. Some units employ barometric pressure alone to generate forecasts; others use a sophisticated forecasting algorithm combining barometric pressure with wind, rainfall, temperature, humidity, longitude, and latitude. Determine the accuracy level desired before purchasing a unit.
How easy is it to use or install?
Typically, a weather station includes several instruments: a thermometer for measuring temperature indoors and out, a hygrometer for assessing humidity for both, a barometer which measures atmospheric pressure, an anemometer to pick up wind speed, and a rain gauge. Some stations require the installation of each individual sensor separately; others offer a suite of integrated sensors which are set up as a single module. For greater accuracy or to comply with National Weather Service specifications, the anemometer may be detachable for separate mounting. A customized weather system may include additional sensors, transmitters and receivers, special software, and remote communications options.
How often is the information updated?
Intervals can range from every 2.5 seconds to every 3 minutes, depending on the parameter monitored and the make and model of the weather station.
What are the data collection capabilities?
For users desiring to collect and analyze measurements or share their data externally, data logger and software packages can be added to some weather stations. After choosing a specific time interval, the data can be logged and transferred to a computer.
Are alarms needed?
If yes, how many? Some units have a limited amount while others may include an alarm for nearly any weather variable.
What about price?
For budget-conscious buyers, units are available in a range of prices. As technology has improved, advanced units generating significant weather data are on the market at more economical prices than ever. Here’s a guide:
Table scrolls horizontally
| Budget type | Description | Typical users | Approximate price |
| Low cost | Single-purpose instruments that gauge a particular measurement: barometer, humidity gauge, thermometer | General use | Less than $50 |
Multiple sensor
(entry level) | Common sensor combinations include temperature/wind, rain/wind, rain/temperature/humidity, temperature/humidity | Home owners, golfers, boaters, sports teams | Less than $125 |
| True weather stations (entry-level) | May include software and Internet services | Hobbyists, building management, gardeners | Less than $350 |
Consumer weather stations
(top-end) | Many advanced features at a price that remains
within reach | Weather enthusiasts, professionals from the National Weather Service, Coast Guard, NASA, winemakers, electrical supply companies | Up to $1,200 |
| Professional-grade weather stations | Most sophisticated; may include measurements of wind gusts, altimeter setting, density altitude, visibility, thunderstorm and lightning detection, cloud coverage and ceiling, and more | Aviation, military, emergency response | Several thousand dollars and up |
Are add-on accessories or modules needed?
An extensive list of accessories can enhance the use and life of weather stations. From solar power kits to system shelters for field or remote locations to radiation shields and more, the options are plentiful. Add-on software modules are also available separately.
In addition to the considerations above, assess the range of wireless transmission and desired data display options before making a selection.
For help in determining the best weather station for your personal or professional use, contact our technical application specialists at 800-323-4340.
1Eleven Billion-Dollar Weather Disasters in 2012, retrieved from http://www.weather.com/news/billion-dollar-disasters-2012-20121220 on January 22, 2013.
