6.4.5: Weather Instruments

1. 6.4.5: Weather Instruments In order to understand the conditions in weather systems and be able to make weather forecasts as precise as possible, weather data must be accurately collected. Students must be able to use and accurately measure using the following instruments: Anemometer- Wind speed is measured in miles per hour using an anemometer. Wind vane-Wind direction with a wind-weather vane. Wind direction is described by the direction from which the wind is blowing. (N, S, E, W, NW, NE, SW, SE)

2. Thermometer-Air temperature is read using a thermometer. In the US we typically use Fahrenheit while in Europe & other countries, they use Celsius. Scientists use Celsius, so that is what we will be using in class.

3. Sling Psychrometer- Humidity, the amount of water vapor in the air (specifically relative humidity), is obtained by using a wet-dry bulb, two-thermometer instrument known as a sling psychrometer.

4. It should not be used as a weapon!!!

5. Barometer-Air pressure is measured in millibars on a barometer. • Rain gauge-another instrument used for measuring precipitation amounts is the rain gauge. Rain gauges usually use inches & centimeters to measure rainfall amounts. Snowfall is measured in inches, centimeters, & feet using a ruler or meter stick.

6. What should you know for the test? • Know how each instrument works and how to “read” the instrument accurately. • Know how to determine relative humidity from the wet-dry bulb readings using a relative humidity table. • Students should collect air pressure data as recorded by the National Weather Service in the unit millibars, but they should also understand the reading in inches of mercury.

7. How weather Instruments Work web site • Forecasting & Weather Instruments streamline 15 min. • Meterologists Use Scientific Instruments to Predict the Weather streamline 15 min.