Weather Instruments
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Learning Objectives
- 1Name common weather instruments and what each one measures
- 2Match each instrument to the weather condition it records
Mini Lesson
Scientists who study weather are called meteorologists. They use special instruments to measure different weather conditions. Each instrument is designed to record one particular aspect of the weather accurately.
Common Weather Instruments
- Thermometer — measures the temperature of the air.
- Rain gauge — collects and measures how much rainfall has fallen.
- Barometer — measures air pressure, which helps predict weather changes.
- Anemometer — measures the speed of the wind.
- Wind vane — shows the direction the wind is blowing from.
- Hygrometer — measures humidity, which is the amount of water vapor in the air.
- Snow gauge — measures the depth of snow that has fallen.
- Sunshine recorder — records how many hours of sunlight there are in a day.
Why Measuring Weather Matters
- Forecasting — data from instruments helps predict tomorrow's weather.
- Safety — warnings about storms or extreme heat can save lives.
- Farming — farmers use weather data to decide when to plant or harvest crops.
- Science — long-term records reveal climate patterns and changes over time.
A weather station is a place where several instruments are set up together so that scientists can collect many different measurements at the same time.
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