How Your Home Weather Station Creates a Weather Forecast

The Forecasting Functions on Home Weather Stations

Air Pressure

While the mechanisms employed for forecasting and calculating weather parameters can vary, most home use stations function similarly. When it comes to predicting future weather events, air pressure is the 'king' determining factor.

The sensor on a weather station that measures air pressure is the Barometer. Meteorologists know that changing air pressure is an excellent indicator of changes in local weather patterns. Low or reducing air pressure can indicate an oncoming storm. High or increasing air pressure usually precedes the arrival of warmer, clear, and sunny days. Where snow is likely, most home weather stations use a combination of the forecast and outdoor temperature to make a prediction.

There are several measurement units for expressing barometric pressure. Most stations have more than one available unit so that you can select the best scale for your requirements. Standard barometric pressure units include:

• Millimetres or inches of Mercury (mm/Hg, in/Hg)
• Millibar (mbar, Mb)
• Pascal (Pa); and
• Pounds Force Per Square Inch (PSI).

Other calculations made by Home Weather Stations

Dew Point

The temperature at which water vapour condenses into liquid water is the Dew Point. Most weather stations compute Dew Point using Air Temperature and Relative Humidity data.

Heat Index

Heat Index is one indicator of comfort levels. The scale considers both relative Humidity and Air Temperature to assess how hot you will feel.

Wind Chill

Wind Chill is another measure of comfort levels. Your home weather station can help you prepare for how cold it feels outside using calculations derived from Temperature and Wind Speed data.

Examples of Home Weather Stations with Forecasting Capabilities

Imagine having a crystal ball sitting in your backyard that predicts the weather. That's how it feels to own a home weather station with forecasting capabilities.

So when it's time to make those big decisions like, "Is tomorrow the day for practising putting at the golf course?" or "Should I stay home and watch Netflix?" you can virtually eliminate the disappointment or frustration factors – no stress!

The Instrument Choice Scientists have chosen to showcase five outstanding weather stations, all with forecasting functionality to enhance your lifestyle choices. Check them out below.

1. Temperature/Humidity Weather Station Product Code: IC-XC0412

If you are new to weather stations, this desktop weather station is a good place to start. The unit is super-easy to set up and use, features a crisp LCD screen and an outdoor remote transmitter. The IC-XC0412 is the ideal entry-level weather station that offers basic weather forecasting.

Displays: Indoor/ Outdoor Temperature, Indoor/Outdoor Humidity, Barometric Pressure

Barometric Pressure Display: hPa (mb) and inHg

Forecast Display:

2.La Crosse Indoor/Outdoor Temperature and Humidity Station with weather forecasting Product Code: IC-308-1414W

If you like accuracy delivered with simplicity, the IC-308-1414W weather station measures real-time backyard weather with precision, displaying data on a brightly coloured LCD screen. Users enjoy animated forecasts and trends that update with changes in barometric pressure.

Displays: Indoor/Outdoor Temperature, Indoor/Outdoor Humidity,Heat Index, and Dew Point.

Barometric Pressure Display: Not displayed.

Forecast Display: 

3.WS1081 Ver3 TESA Professional Weather Station - Touch Panel Weather Center with PC interface and solar-assisted multi-sensor

Product Code: IC-WS1081V3

The IC-WS1081V3 is a popular model with home weather enthusiasts. This scientific instrument relays real-time weather information captured by an outdoor multi-sensor array to an indoor console that features an extra-large LCD. The LCD allows users to view all collected weather information and forecasts. What's more, the indoor display connects to a PC via a USB for further data analysis.

Displays: Indoor/ Outdoor Temperature, Indoor/Outdoor Humidity, Barometric Pressure, Rainfall, and Wind Speed.

Barometric Pressure Display: inHg or hPa.

Forecast Display:

4. Digital Weather Station with Colour Display 
Product Code: IC-XC0434

Measuring and calculating a host of weather parameters, the IC-XC0434 will satisfy the keenest weather observer. Barometric pressure readings provide users with a predictive weather forecast as well as storm warnings.

Displays: Indoor/Outdoor Temperature, Indoor/Outdoor Humidity, Barometric Pressure, Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Wind Chill, Dew Point, Heat Index, Rainfall, Rainfall Rate.

Barometric Pressure Display: hPa, inHg, and mmHg

Forecast Display: 

5.7 Inch Colour WiFi Wireless Weather Station Product Code: IC0370 

The IC0370 weather station monitors all of the key weather parameters and reports information wirelessly to the coloured indoor console for instant viewing. The easy-to-follow forecast icons keep you informed about imminent weather patterns, so you can prepare and adjust your lifestyle choices.

Displays: Indoor/Outdoor Temperature, Indoor/Outdoor Humidity, Barometric Pressure, Rainfall, Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Heat Index, Dew Point, and Light Levels.

Barometric Pressure Display:hPa, mmHg, or inHg.

Forecast Display:

Conclusion 

While you can't rely on your device to foresee the lotto numbers for next week, you can trust the predictive powers of a home weather station based on barometric pressure to help you make lifestyle decisions in response to changing environmental conditions.

P.S. For more information on home weather stations with forecasting capabilities, speak with an Instrument Choice scientist! We're here to help! Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].

P.P.S. Learn why so many people trust Instrument Choice for their scientific instruments.