What About Weather Station Stations
Just about everyone has checked the weather first thing in the morning, dressed accordingly, and then found that things did not turn out as predicted.
That’s because more traditional sources of daily climate information provide data that applies to a wider area.
I am sure almost everyone interested in the climate elements daily changes is interested in or heard of sharing data with other fans.
Weather Underground-a Weather Station Station
Sites such as Weather Underground, and Weatherbug are two of the top sites that you as a fan of the outside elements can send your daily instrument information details to.
Weather Underground’s worldwide personal weather station network consists of climate enthusiasts who report live climate element information to Weather Underground from independent stations located on their houses or in their backyards.
Weatherbug and Other Weather Station Stations
Weatherbug is also a major contributor to the data collected online sites. Other such sites are the National Weather Service (NWS), and the Citizen Weather Observer Program which can be joined as well by the private citizens.
The National Weather Service has the second most collection sites, second only to the Weather Underground site. To join the NWS as what they call the Cooperative Observer Program, follow the link and you will be directed on how to sign up to be a volunteer information contributor to the national and regional forecasts.
One way to gain access to information that is relevant to a particular location immediately is by using weather station data collector sites. Taking things one step further, choosing to provide data to those sites helps others in the area to have access to real-time information. Here are some of the other reasons why this approach is the way to go.
Up to the Minute Data
With more traditional approaches, there is something of a time lag in reporting changing conditions. For example, a quick glance at an online source or listening to the broadcast on the radio will provide a general idea of what happened a few moments ago and what is predicted to happen for the rest of the day.
What those methods do not provide is what is happening right this minute. 
That’s one of the reasons why it’s possible to look up an outside elements site and see that it shows rain in the area, even though the sun is shining bright.
With the purchase and installation of personal climate stations, homeowners have the chance to determine what is happening outside without having to rely on data that may be delayed or based on predictions.
The stations vary somewhat in how data is processed, but most will include equipment that helps to measure wind velocity, humidity, air pressure, and temperature. All that provides immediate information about what sort of front is moving through the area.
What About Across Town?
The use of equipment in collecting personal weather station data is only part of the process. Choosing to share that data with others helps to create a network that provides information to others living in the area.
As an example, as long as you register with one of the same weather station data sites used by your friend across town, you can access the information and find out what is happening in that part of town.
Given that it can be raining a couple of miles east while the sun is shining brightly at home, knowing that the rain is moving in the direction of the house makes it easier to close the windows, take in the laundry, and do whatever else needs to happen before the rain sets in.
This type of arrangement is reciprocal, in that the person who chooses to share personal weather details with others also gets to access the information provided by users in other parts of town. You may take this as you pull back, to a regional or state, or even national level.
If you are flying to Colorado today, you are able to get updated climate change information as you get nearer to your destination. In bad weather, this would be most helpful in planning your Colorado travel plans, or your evening agenda.
In the meantime, back closer to home, it can be especially helpful when meteorological conditions are right for events like high winds that increase the chances for a funnel cloud to develop. By monitoring the weather situation that is happening a few miles away, it is possible to get an idea of what is moving in the direction of the user.
That provides more time to get the kids inside, dig out the batteries and candles in case the power goes out, and in general be prepared for whatever happens next.
Planning a Trip
After getting up on a Saturday morning, the desire to head to the lake or make a road trip to the beach hits. Before grabbing some gear and running out the door, accessing a weather data collection site is a good idea. Doing so makes it possible to find out exactly how things are at the beach or the lake right now.
In looking at the photo above, you are able to see that on data collection sites you are given many different options of sites that you may obtain current condition readings from. This would be most helpful to you for traveling to a destination of your choice.
If the data provided by means of wireless weather stations, created and maintained by people living in the area, indicate rain or other adverse weather, there is no need to spend the time and gasoline to travel to the spot. The trip can be put off for another date, and the individual can find something to do closer to home.
Text and Visual Data Available
If you are a part of an information collector site, you can have your own webcam as part of your station’s data collection. Many of the sites are transmitting actual webcam broadcasts of what is happening right now to the visitor to their sites information. Here are a couple of examples.
Many home weather stations are set up to transmit video as well as other readings to weather networks.
The sharing of video is helpful for many people since it provides users with the chance to see what is happening at a given location as well as read about the essentials.
For those who grasp weather conditions easier when they can view still images and video, this adds to the overall experience and helpfulness of connecting with these networks.
If You Are Still Wondering
For anyone who wonders if setting up a personal meteorological station would be difficult, we recommend seeking out our other pages under the buying advice main menu. We have many articles published to help you out in your research.
It will not take long to find out what is involved with purchasing the equipment and having it installed along the roof or even on a pole in the backyard.
Once the station is up and running, joining a network makes it all the easier to always have access to real-time information from across town, in another state, or any other location that is desired.
George is a big fan of the weather. He has enjoyed for years observing all types of weather in several places he has lived. He shares his love by doing reviews of personal weather stations and discussing several key elements that are related to using weather stations.
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