Garden Rain Gauge And Other Weather Instruments

By Bradford Tamlin

Being aware of existing weather conditions and predicting future weather patterns may seem like work reserved for a meteorologist, but that just isn't so. The normal person can gather equipment that can do those things and more. Some of the basic weather instruments required to accurately record the conditions include a garden rain gauge, an anemometer (also called a wind gauge), a thermometer, a barometer and a weather vane.

A garden rain gauge measures the amount of rainfall and can be as simple as a glass or plastic bottle with increments of measure on the side, to a digital rain gauge or a wireless electronic rain gauge that can be placed anywhere in your garden. Electronic models remotely record rainfall data in monthly, weekly and daily rainfall totals, averages and rates per hour. You can also get a garden rain gauge that empties itself. This permits you to record the amount of rain over longer time periods.

A device used to determine the speed of the wind is called an anemometer, or wind gauge. In its most basic form, it is a cup anemometer and consists of four hemispherical shafts mounted horizontally on a vertical shaft. There are generally two broad groups of wind gauges: hand-held and fixed. A hand-held anemometer will usually just present the present wind strength. A fixed wind gauge measures the wind speed at a specified location in addition to providing historical measurements, such as maximum gust and average wind speed.

A thermometer is, of course, used to determine the temperature. Thermometers have advanced greatly since the days of a simple mercury thermometer. Now wireless is hugely popular, because from the comfort of your favorite easy chair, you can check the present, minimum or maximum temperatures and have it reflected in Celsius or Fahrenheit. There's also a garden rain gauge thermometer available that provides temperature readings as well as a rainfall measurement.

A barometer measures the atmospheric pressure and can be used to see if the pressure is rising or falling or is steady; thus providing a good measure of the weather in the near future. However, barometers do much more than just act as a weather instrument. In addition, they can be a work of art. Ornamental barometers add beauty and stylishness to the walls of a lot of homes. Technology has caught up with barometers, so digital barometers are now widely available and just as in the instruments above, can be used to measure atmospheric changes; aiding in a more precise picture of the coming weather.

Quite simply, a weather vane's function is to measure and gauge the direction of the wind, which is an important element to any weather forecast. As with a barometer, they can also be a beautiful addition to your backyard or marquee roof top. There are an almost infinite range of designs and styles to choose from; the more popular styles include sports, animals, birds and others. There are also craftsmen available who can create a hand-made, specialty weather vane for you.

A garden rain gauge, anemometer, thermometer, barometer and weather vane allow you to understand existing weather conditions, as well as help you foretell what the future weather conditions may be. Whether you are planning a picnic or unsure of whether you can get your lawn mowed before the rain arrives, each of these instruments can help you through your day. - 29857

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here