A weather station will typically have the following equipment.
AcuRite Atlas weather station cutaway diagram
Thermometer
The air temperature surrounding the station is measured using a thermometer. As seen in the image above, the majority of weather stations feature two thermometers: one inside the display console to record the temperature inside, and one inside the sensor enclosure to record the temperature outside.
Hygrometer
A hygrometer monitors the humidity, or amount of moisture in the air. Once more, the majority of weather stations will have two of them, one in the sensor enclosure and the other in the display console.
Anemometer
Anemometers are used to measure wind speed. The most popular two approaches are. One employs rotating cups on the sensor housing to measure wind, while the other uses acoustic technology to detect wind passing through a hole in the instrument.
Wind Vane
A wind vane is used to measure wind direction. The vane directs the wind in the desired direction. The same principles used by sonic anemometers to measure wind speed can also be used to determine the wind's direction.
Barometer
The barometer, a vital instrument for forecasting, measures atmospheric pressure. Usually, it can be found inside a console or a recording equipment in the house. Changes in pressure that are downward typically herald stormier weather, while pressure changes that are upward herald better weather.
Rain Gauge
The rain gauge counts the amount of rain that has fallen. The approach used most frequently is a tipping bucket gauge. This gauge employs a funnel to collect rainwater; once a certain weight of water is reached, usually equal to 0.01 inches, the water pours onto tiny buckets that tip back and forth. Haptic technology is currently being used by ultra-modern weather stations to better accurately identify precipitation. Analog rain gauges are still more accurate, though. In our buying guide, we even rated an analog type as the most precise rain gauge.
UV and Solar Radiation Sensor
UV and solar radiation sensors are helpful for outdoor activities and applications like smart homes since they measure ultraviolet and solar radiation.
Lightning Detector
A lightning detector can detect lightning up to 25 miles away from you. Some can also determine the storm's motion's direction, however this is less frequent.
Leaf Wetness Sensor
The leaf wetness sensor helps farmers and gardeners by approximating the amount of surface moisture on vegetation.
Soil Moisture Sensor
The amount of accessible moisture in the soil is measured by a soil moisture sensor. Some are capable of logging the soil temperature. To successfully farm and garden, these sensors are required for irrigation decisions.
Air Quality Sensors
Some manufacturers of weather stations now provide the option to add air quality sensors to higher-end versions in order to detect particulate matter, as many consumers are becoming more worried about pollution.
