If you’re one of those people who checks the weather daily, it is probably time to invest in an at-home weather station. These devices offer accurate, location-specific weather forecasting in real-time.
Their benefits are undeniable in terms of maintaining your home, planning events, educating kids, and improving overall weather readings across the world.
They are a must-have for any weather fundi!
However, with so many picks on the market, the question remains: How do you choose a weather station? Ultimately, you want a model that can offer you all the basics and then some.
Here we break down some essential features that you want to look out for when choosing a weather station and explore the different types of personal weather stations available, namely analog, digital, and smart.
Be sure to check out our weather station buying guide here to find the best weather station for your needs.
What To Consider When Choosing a Weather Station?
Important Features
Simple devices will offer you the general temperature and air pressure readings, whereas smarter devices will offer more complex features.
Most models will offer the following readings:
Outside Temperature
All basic models will give you temperature readings. This can help you to plan outings and events and ensure that you dress appropriately for the day’s temperature.
Humidity
This will tell you how much water vapour is in the air and can predict potential rainfall.
Barometric pressure
This determines the air pressure in the atmosphere and supports meteorologists to pick up changes in weather and possible storms.
Wind direction and speed
Wind speed and direction have an impact on surface water and go a long way in determining global weather patterns. They are also of great interest to those who enjoy surfing, sailing, paragliding, and more.
Daily and yearly monitoring of rainfall
Knowing daily and yearly rainfall can help you prepare for possible floods, know when to water your garden, plan for potential drought, and more.
Types of personal Weather Stations
Analog
Analog devices are a treat for anyone who loves to keep things simple. These old-fashioned wooden devices utilize data pointers and pins and gauge temperature, humidity, and air pressure. They are a simple pick and well-suited to anyone on a budget or who wants a simple reading.
However, since they do not have outside sensors, their readings won’t be as accurate or specific. They also won’t be able to determine more complex readings such as rainfall, UV rays, or wind chill.
Digital
Digital models are a popular choice and use sensors that connect to the main station. Readings can be clearly seen on the digital screen, and most devices can gauge temperature, rainfall, air pressure, humidity, and wind speed. Others have more complex features.
Some models can be easily connected to your computer for the easy transference of data. Digital devices come in a range of prices, and you can find budget solutions and pricier options with more complex features.
Smart
Smart devices are exciting weather-reading machines. They are more complex than other models and are often capable of voice recognition and indoor readings. These might include indoor dust, levels of Co2, and noise.
These weather machines are certainly at the fore when it comes to technological innovation. They might also analyze solar radiation, UV light, and lightning. Others might have a built-in camera and take real-time footage of your unique environment.
Those in agricultural industries might want to invest in more comprehensive models that read soil temperature and moisture, evaporation, and leaf wetness.
However, despite these incredible advantages, these models come with a hefty price tag and won’t work if you are on a budget.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Weather Station
Internet Connectivity
If you want a weather station that connects to your computer and integrates with other devices and networks, you will need to choose one with internet connectivity.
Durability
If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions like snow, hail, or ferocious winds, you will need to choose a durable model that can withstand the elements. Be sure to also check the device’s warranty.
Accuracy
Check out reviews online to determine how accurate your chosen device is when it comes to weather reading.
Can you use it in your smart home?
If you opt for a more comprehensive system, you might be able to use it in your smart home. If this is important to you, be sure to choose a model that seamlessly integrates with other smart technology such as AC devices and heaters.
Pro-Tip for Weather Station Owners
Whatever model you decide on, put your device in an open and light outside area to get the best readings.