A weather station is basically a device that can collect valuable data related to the environment and weather conditions. This is possible with the help of multiple sensors. Weather stations are also famous by the name of weather centers.
Who can use a weather station?
Earlier few people had their own weather stations. Only meteorological units and very few big organizations could afford this type of device. Now weather stations are more in use in all parts of the world. Even schools are relying on their own weather stations to offer protection to their school students and school faculty at the times of severe weather conditions.
So, meteorologists, weather buffs, farmers, students, outdoor enthusiasts, pilots, gardeners, and farmers – anyone can take help of a weather station for the sake of safety. This is the primary agenda of having a weather tracker or weather tracking devices – ensuring the safety of the masses.
Types of weather stations:
The three main types of weather stations are as follows:
- Personal weather station
- Professional weather station
- Home weather station
People use the data obtained at weather stations to gauge approaching and current weather conditions that are harmful. A weather station can also predict future weather conditions like cloud cover, precipitation, and weather abnormalities such as thunderstorms.
Weather sensors and its types:
- Hygrometer- A hygrometer is useful for measuring relative humidity. Relative humidity is nothing but the percentage or quantity of water vapor present in the air. Humidity has a significant impact on environmental factors as well as calculations like fog, heat index, dew point, and precipitation. Moreover, maintaining balanced humidity inside your homes also has effects on health.
- Thermometer- People use a thermometer to measure temperature. Weather stations keep measuring both indoor and outdoor temperature.
- Rain gauge- A rain gauge is the device that can measure liquid precipitation or rainfall. Several weather stations provide rainfall alerts for notifying people when rainfall begins or if there are chances of flood conditions.
- Barometer- Barometers measure the atmospheric pressure. If there is a sudden pressure drop, a barometer can forecast that.
- Wind Vane- A wind vane, also known as a weather vane, is a device that informs about the direction of the wind.
- Anemometer- An anemometer calculates the speed of the wind. Weather stations use this weather tracking instrument for staying prepared when a storm approaches at high speed.
Lightning warning systems
Weather stations have lightning warning systems. A lightning warning system is a system that can detect lightning which thunderstorms are responsible for producing. It is also commonly known as a lightning detector. Lightning warning systems in outdoor places can detect thunderstorms even 30 minutes before they strike a place. They can send alarms to make people aware of it.
So, weather stations are there to better the quality of life of people living on this planet. They are necessary for all big institutions and organizations where thousands of people work or visit. By predicting dreadful weather conditions, weather stations can save thousands of lives at the time of crisis.