Automated weather stations are different from typical weather stations in that many of their instruments require little human involvement. They are usually digital and send data online and can be part of a bigger network of weather stations. Because of its accessibility, it is one of the most common types of weather stations. Many meteorology and weather bureaus around the world use an online weather station for quick and easy forecasts and measurements.
An automatic weather station can report on various weather conditions:
- Temperature
- Precipitation
- Atmospheric Pressure
- Humidity
- Wind Direction
- Wind Speed
- Solar Radiation
- Visibility
The Workings of an Automated Weather Station
Online weather stations use various equipment to measure different atmospheric variables. Some common equipment for an automatic weather station includes the following:
1. Weather Sensor
Weather sensors measure wind speed and direction. This information tells us where the weather is heading and how soon it will get there. Weather sensors include anemometers and wind vanes. Anemometers measure wind speed, while wind vanes measure wind direction.
2. Rain Gauge
Rain gauges measure precipitation, like rainfall. A rain gauge resembles a bucket or a tall, vertical cylinder. Rain gauges let you know how much rain or snow has fallen in a specific period.
3. Sensor Shelter
The sensor shelter is where weather stations keep the instruments that measure temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure.
4. Lightning Sensor
Lightning sensors help you assess how bad a storm is. Storm cells have a high number of lightning discharges inside the cloud. Lightning sensors measure this and report the severity, like with tornadoes and hailstorms.
5. Data Loggers
Data loggers measure, process, and record the data from your sensors. The system then sends this data to networks.
6. Weather Display
A weather station with an internet weather display is ideal. This way, you may check the weather from anywhere. This is particularly useful when the weather station offers forecasts, real-time information, and live feeds.
7. Weather Camera
Live views are possible with weather cameras, which you can stream to your networks. You can also share these videos with news stations or weather bureaus.
Advantages of Online Weather Stations
Online weather stations have several benefits over traditional and manual weather stations. These include:
- Precise Measurements. You can avoid human error with online weather stations. In addition, the technology provides you with regular and timely notifications.
- Ideal for Remote Areas. Automatic weather stations can use off-grid sources of power like solar panels and wind turbines.
- Reliable and Hassle-Free. The instruments don’t require regular maintenance, and you can calibrate them easily.
Find High-Quality Equipment for Your Online Weather Station
Weather instruments must meet rigorous quality standards to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the data. When shopping for your weather station equipment, be sure to find top-quality equipment from a reputable supplier. Contact Comptus Inc. today to know more.