A sensor-free or virtual home weather station is becoming an attractive option for those with the weather bug. The two main options are a PC-based program or a standalone weather station receiving signals from a service.
Weather instruments set up around the home do create the satisfaction of tracking your own backyard micro-climate. Though some never make it out of the box due to the set up and prep work needed to get accurate readings. Something as simple as a hungry squirrel chewing through wires can also put a quick end to your weather project.
Online weather services such as WeatherBug and Weather Underground have developed a wide network of weather stations. Advances in the Internet allow for real time reporting from the stations, to the point that the wind direction dial appears to move like a wind vane. Access to hour by hour historical data makes weather patterns easily identifiable.
By tapping into services like Weather Direct, standalone weather stations can provide current weather conditions without any additional sensors. Weather readings are updated constantly and include wind, rain, chance of rain, temperature and humidity. NWS warnings are also carried.
The location of a weather service’s stations can make or break this option. If a service has instruments just down the street, the result will be accurate readings on current conditions. On the flip side, many miles of distance between a virtual weather station and the sensors could result in the user following the weather patterns of a different micro-climate.
For some a combination of a virtual solution with a home instrument may provide the most satisfaction. The most immediate weather needs can be provided by an instrument that includes both barometer and temperature readings. More detailed readings and historical data are then found via a virtual solution. This approach still involves minimal set up time. Before purchasing an instrument, it is recommended to visit a website that ranks products to find the best product in a given category.
The extreme opposite of a virtual station is hosting a public weather station. This approach may involve some expense as a station must be purchased and certain services require specific stations and instruments. Weather readings will be broadcast over the Internet and picked up by a local audience seeking current information. Individuals who live in faraway locations may also consult the public station for travel or relocation.
The thrill of tracking a storm in real time is possible without the expense and care of your own sensors. The options available for home weather stations leave much room for personal preference, aptitude, and enjoyment.
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