How to Select the Perfect Weather Instruments

July 26, 2024

How to Select the Perfect Weather Instruments

 

Weather instruments play a fun but vital role in our day-to-day lives. These tools provide us with accurate, real-time information about outdoor temperature, humidity, rainfall, air pressure, and more! Understanding weather conditions is essential for various activities, from planning our daily outfits to ensuring the safety of outdoor events and travel. In this guide, we will explore each instrument, delving into how they work and why they are so useful.

Exploring different types of weather instruments:

Thermometers 

Most of us are familiar with thermometers, many of us may have even used one in our day-to-day lives, and that’s why these are one of the most common weather instruments today. Outdoor temperature thermometers help us dress for the weather and also plan out the day. Thermometers are available in many varieties including both digital and analogue thermometers, both highly accurate and able to measure garden temperatures and even temperatures around the house. Knowing the current temperature also helps us avoid feeling unwell in the summer and winter.

Barometers

Barometers measure air pressure and give users data associated with weather predictions. Generally, falling air pressure indicates rain and stormy weather whereas rising pressure indicates improving conditions. Barometric changes help us plan daily activities such as time in the garden, clouds approaching and pressure falling. It may be time to head indoors! Barometers are typically put into 3 categories; aneroid barometers, mercury barometers, and stick barometers. The majority of barometers sold today are aneroid, these are liquid-free, compact, and easily transported. Mercury was previously used in many household products including barometers, thermometers and even electrical switches. In recent years, selling mercury-containing products has become illegal in the UK to protect people’s health in case of a spillage. 

Hygrometers

Humidity meters, also known as hygrometers measure humidity levels in the air. Humidity is the concentration of water vapour present in the air. High humidity makes hot days feel hotter whereas low humidity can dry out your skin and even worsen respiratory conditions. Humidity meters are a vital piece of equipment for avid gardeners. Hygrometers help maintain and monitor humidity levels when planting in greenhouses as humidity can be a core metric associated with successful seed germination. Did you know that hygrometers are also essential in preserving art and artefacts in museums and galleries? 

Rain Gauges

Rain gauges measure rainfall and have changed very little over time. Rain gauges were first introduced to provide an indication of how much tax could be charged to a certain plot of land. The first standardised rain gauge was invented in 1441 in Korea. These days, this type of equipment is used to take vital readings of rainfall which is key for home growers, farmers, and flood protection agencies. Home rain gauges are great to ensure your plants are getting enough water through drier periods of the year.

The aesthetic appeal

Combined dials, tide clocks, and moon phase clocks are excellent additions to any garden or home. The aesthetics and function are becoming more and more popular in decor and design. 

Combined Dials

Combined dials incorporate multiple measurements into one multifunctional weather device. These dials often include; thermometers, hygrometers, and barometers and provide a holistic weather update at a glance. Combined dials are often a more convenient and efficient way to monitor and understand local weather conditions, this makes them a great starting point for amateur weather watchers and enthusiasts. Combined dials are perfect for those with limited wall space or those looking to fill a gap.

Tide Clocks

Tide clocks are specialised equipment tailored for coastal areas to track high and low tides. If you live by the beach or often visit the shore, a tide clock can be an essential tool for everyday living. Knowing the timing of high and low tides is essential for activities like fishing, boating, and beach activities like swimming, paddleboarding, or surfing. Tide clocks help predict the best times for these activities, they also ensure users have a good idea relating to safety by the sea. By understanding these tide patterns, we can avoid coastal dangers like becoming stuck or stranded. Being able to accurately predict tides is vital for people who work out at sea, ensuring that commercial and recreational fishermen have the best chance of catching their preferred fish. Interested to learn more? Why not read our blog, Will A Tide Clock Work For My Location?

Moon Phase Clocks

Moon phase clocks date back to ancient civilisations, these have long been valued for tracking the lunar cycle. Our moon phase clocks are great for home astronomers, gardeners, and anyone interested in the natural cycle of the moon. By displaying the current phase of the moon, these clocks are able to help plan various activities that are often influenced by the moon. Gardeners and farmers have historically relied on the moon phases to determine the best time to plant and harvest. Similarly, astronomers use moon phase clocks to anticipate optimal stargazing nights. Did you know that the moon also influences activities like fishing? The moon cycles affect our daily lives in more ways than people often think, how do you use your lunar clocks?

How to choose the right instruments for you

Choosing the right weather instrument for your home and garden is easier than it sounds, It’s all about matching your specific needs and interests to a product. There isn't always a one-size-fits-all setup so it's important to consider what information will help in your home or garden. If you’re interested in atmospheric pressure and like the look and feel of barometers, a barometer is the perfect choice. Gardeners might benefit from a rain gauge to keep track of rainfall, a combined weather dial could be ideal for those who want a holistic view of various weather parameters. Ultimately, the best weather instrument for you is the one you’ll use and the one you like the look of.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect weather instrument for your home and garden involves understanding your personal preferences around style, form, and function. Whether you enjoy correlating falling pressure to bad weather or plotting average rainfall throughout a month the right setup is the one that fits seamlessly into your daily life. Remember, the best weather instruments aren’t just about functionality but also about adding an aesthetic and personal touch to our homes and gardens.

FAQs

  • What's the difference between digital and analogue thermometers, and which one should I choose for my garden?
    • Digital thermometers are super handy because they give you quick, easy-to-read results and often have extra features like recording the highest and lowest temperatures. Analogue thermometers, though, have that classic look that some people really love. If you’re after speed and functionality, go for a digital one. But if you like a more traditional, stylish vibe, an analogue thermometer would look great in your garden.
  • How are aneroid barometers different from mercury and stick barometers?
    •  Aneroid barometers are great because they don’t use any liquid, making them compact and easy to move around, which is why they're so popular these days. Mercury barometers use mercury to measure air pressure, but they’re not as common now due to health and safety concerns. Stick barometers are an older type that also use mercury. Since mercury barometers aren’t sold much anymore because of legal restrictions, aneroid barometers are usually your best bet for home use.
  • Why is it important to monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer in a greenhouse?
    • Keeping track of humidity in your greenhouse is really important for your plants. High humidity helps your plants grow well and seeds to sprout, while low humidity can dry them out and hurt their health. A hygrometer helps you monitor these levels, making sure your greenhouse has the perfect environment for your plants to thrive.
  • What are the benefits of using a combined weather dial in my home?
    • Combined weather dials are convenient because they bring together several weather measurements in one device, usually including a thermometer, hygrometer, and barometer. This means you get a full picture of the weather conditions at a glance. They’re perfect if you don’t have much wall space or if you just want an easy, all-in-one solution for keeping an eye on the weather.