Rain Gauges Garden Nursery Landscaping Guide
Rain Gauges Help Predict Weather Patterns
By Joel F Morningstar
There are many devices on the market today, to help you review
and understand current weather conditions and even predict future
weather patterns.
No, these devices aren’t the stuff of science fiction stories;
they are simple instruments that provide you with the knowledge
and know-how to plot your course for the day or the next few days.
Rain gauges, weather vanes, wind gauges, thermometers and barometers
are all available to help you get a bigger picture of your local
weather.
Range From A Simple Model To An Electronic Model
A raingauge takes a rainfall measurement and can be a simple
model consisting of a glass or plastic bottle with increments
of measure on the side, to an electronic rain gauge that can be
fixed anywhere in your yard.
Electronic models remotely record rainfall data in daily, weekly
and monthly rainfall totals, averages and rates per hour. Rain
gauges are available that are self-emptying. This allows you to
record rainfall amounts over longer periods of time.
Measuring The Wind Speed
A device used to measure the speed of the wind is called an anemometer,
or wind gauge. In its most basic form, it is a cup anemometer,
consisting of four hemispherical shafts mounted horizontally on
a vertical shaft.
Wind gauges can be separated into two broad groups: hand-held
and fixed. A hand-held anemometer will typically only display
the current wind strength. A fixed wind gauge measures the wind
speed at a given location in addition to providing historical
measurements, such as maximum gust and average wind speed.
A Rain Gauge Thermometer Takes Rainfall And Temperature Readings
A thermometer is, of course, used to measure the temperature.
Thermometers have progressed tenfold since the days of a simple
mercury thermometer.
Now wireless is hugely popular, since from the comfort of your
favorite armchair, you can check the current, minimum or maximum
temperatures and have it displayed in Celsius or Fahrenheit. A
rain gauge thermometer is also available that takes temperature
readings as well as a rainfall measurement.
Reading Atmospheric Pressure With A Barometer
A barometer measures the atmospheric pressure and can be used
to see if the pressure is falling or rising or is steady; thus
providing a good indicator of the weather in the near future.
Barometers are so much more than a weather instrument, however.
They can truly be a work of art. Ornamental barometers add beauty
and elegance to the walls of many homes. As with most things,
technology has caught up with barometers too, so digital barometers
are now widely available and just as in the instruments above,
can be used to measure atmospheric changes; aiding in a more accurate
picture of the coming weather.
Knowing The Wind Direction
A weather vane’s job, simply put, is to measure and gauge from
which direction the wind is blowing, which is a key element to
any weather forecast. As with a barometer, they can also be a
beautiful addition to your garden or pergola roof top.
There are an almost unlimited range of designs styles to choose
from; the more popular styles include birds, animals, sports and
others. There are craftsmen out there who can provide you with
your very own hand crafted, specialty weather vane.
Predicting Future Weather With A Weather Station
Weather stations typically bundle several, if not all of these
instruments together so that they get a better overall picture
of current weather conditions, as well as to predict future occurrences.
Wind gauges, rain gauges, weather vanes, anemometers and barometers
can each provide you with a glimpse of what is going on right
outside your door. Whether you are planning a picnic or unsure
of whether you can get your lawn mowed before the rain comes,
each of these tools can help you through your day.
About the Author:
Joel F Morningstar has written a number of articles on gardening, backyard ideas, home improvement and landscaping including
Patio Garden,
Lawn And Garden,
Miniature Fruit Trees,
Pepper Plant,
Front Yard Landscape,
Lawn Swing,
Fast Growing Trees,
Stone Walkway,
Big Backyard,
Deck Ideas,
Swing Set Backyard,
Backyard Landscaping.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
Little Known Facts About Rain Gauge....
Where can I purchase a rain gauge?
You can find rain gauges in a wide range
of stores. Many department stores will sell decorate rain gauges
that many people use as decoration in their yards.
Other great places to look for rain gauges
are feed stores, home improvement stores and even craft stores.
You can also buy rain gauges on Ebay, which is good because you
might get a better deal and a better selection.
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