Outdoor weather station is a device that measures weather conditions outside, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. They are used by meteorologists to forecast the weather, and by people who need to know the weather conditions for outdoor activities. There are many different types of outdoor weather stations. They include;
- Digital weather station
This type of weather station is one of the most popular design. It uses sensors to measure various weather parameters, and it displays these values on a digital screen.
- Wireless weather station
This type of device has the same components as a normal weather station, but instead of having all these parts inside an enclosure, they are placed outside in their own weatherproof housings, and the console module is placed indoors. This type of unit is great for areas where it is difficult to lay power cables, because it can use rechargeable batteries, or a solar panel to power its “console” unit.
- Handheld weather station
This device shares some components with other types of weather stations, but it is small enough to be carried in the hands. This device is used mostly by weather reporters, who need to measure the current weather conditions when they are at their location.
- Aneroid barometer
This type of device measures variations in atmospheric pressure, and converts this value into an equivalent altitude above sea level. An example of this device is the altimeter on an aircraft.
- Psychrometer
This type of device measures the humidity and dry-bulb temperature in the surrounding air, using two thermometers: one that is shielded from radiation and one that isn’t. The difference between these two values is used to determine the relative humidity in percent, and it can also be used to calculate the dew point temperature.
- Thermometer
This is a device that measures air or water temperature, depending on its design. Some types of thermometers are liquid-in-glass, maximum minimum thermometers, oven-type, and maximum/minimum thermometers with electrical contacts.
- Barometer
This type of device calculates the current atmospheric pressure, and it can be used to predict weather changes such as rain or snow.
- Rain gauge
This type of device is used to measure rainfall; it can either record this value by calculating the depth and weight of the collected water, or it can use a funnel with graduated markings to measure the rain rate.
- Hygrometer
This type of device measures the humidity in the surrounding air, and it can be used to calculate the dew point temperature.
- Wind vane
This type of device is used to measure wind speed and direction. It consists of a horizontal rod with a small cup or vane at the end, which is connected to a weather vane. The wind will spin the rod until it is aligned with the oncoming wind, and this position can be used to determine the wind direction using an arrow that rotates around its axis.
- Anemometer
This type of device is used to measure wind speed in knots or kilometers per hour. It can either measure this value directly, by spinning cups mounted on a vertical axis, or indirectly, by measuring pressure differential between two locations.
The above are some of the most common types of outdoor weather stations. They are used to measure a variety of weather conditions, which can then be used to predict the weather or help with outdoor activities.