Buying guide for best weather stations

When a meteorologist says there's a 50% chance of snow, that means there's also a 50% of no snow. Since the experts are basically guessing, that puts the weight on our shoulders. Do we think it will snow? Some of us rely on sailor poems, others invest in a weather station.

The best weather station for you is dependent on your level of engagement. Basic kits allow you to dress properly for the weather that day while commercial-grade systems allow you to make predictions just like a meteorologist. The main consideration: Do you choose a wired or wireless? Each has its pros and cons, so you must decide which is the right choice for your particular needs.

Today, weather stations come in all shapes and sizes — vintage looking, to ones that can sync up with modern gadgets.

Basic vs. advanced weather stations

Basic weather stations

These mostly provide the bare essentials when it comes to weather data, including information about ambient air temperature, humidity level, wind speed, precipitation amounts, and barometric pressure. The measurements are taken at a single outdoor station and transmitted to an indoor display. For casual users who seek basic information in order to plan outdoor activities or dress appropriately, or beginner hobbyists, basic weather stations are usually quite adequate.

Our research includes assessing whether a weather station is basic or advanced. While basic models measure standard data like temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity, their advanced cousins often have internet connectivity and monitor numerous data zones.

We consider the accuracy of a weather station when compiling research, noting that various factors affect accuracy, including climate, snow, ice, or debris buildup, sensors, and each model’s technology.

Some weather stations are commercial quality, which appeals to serious users who prefer advanced scientific technology. We make note of commercial models, which can be pricey and impractical for typical consumers.

Wired models have reliable connectivity and deliver a high degree of accuracy. In researching a wired station, we assess the installation process and determine if the system has limited range — two downsides of wired options.

Weather station screens should be clear and easy to understand. In our research, we consider each model’s display to determine if it meets these criteria.

When we research a wireless weather station, the dependability of its connectivity is a consideration, as WiFi drops can lead to data loss. We also note whether it is compatible with an app for remote monitoring.

In addition to monitoring weather data, some stations have sensors that measure various aspects of indoor air quality. We take this into account when surveying products.

In our research, we scrutinize weather stations for their ability to withstand different weather conditions, including snow, ice, and wind.

We consider consumers’ needs when recommending weather stations. Basic, easy-to-use models are best for novices, while models with advanced scientific capabilities appeal to experienced users and avid weather buffs.

Examining the setup process is part of our assessment, as accurate data won’t be obtained if station components aren’t put together correctly.

Advanced weather stations

These go beyond the basics. Some include a wireless system with Internet access, while others feature a special weather camera that allows owners to observe cloud formations and other conditions from the comfort of home. Advanced weather stations have many applications. For example, a gardener can use real-time data to plan a maintenance schedule based on soil moisture. A farmer can use an advanced station’s multiple data zones to make important watering and planting decisions. And an outdoor enthusiast can schedule activities based on solar radiation levels.

Conveniently, many of these mid-range models are expandable, meaning that a customer could get a basic weather array for a three-zone configuration, and then get additional types of sensors to build on the basic model.

• Commercial weather stations, largely intended for scientific or pecuniary use, are the most sophisticated of all. Numerous gauges are measured electronically, and the data is typically downloaded to a dedicated computer for analysis.
   

The cost of a pro-grade weather station can be prohibitive for the average consumer. Nevertheless, users with a passion for meteorology may want to invest in a high-end weather station to satisfy their scientific curiosity.

Wired vs. wireless

All weather stations need a way to deliver sensor data to a computer processor and monitor. Some accomplish this through a hardwired system that’s buried in the ground or strung along exterior walls. Others use a wireless system consisting of a transmitter (in the weather array), and a receiver (in the home base). Both systems have their own benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits of a wired system

The data gleaned from a wired system may be more accurate, and you’ll never have to worry about losing your information due to connectivity issues prone to wireless systems. Additional installation effort is required, however, and some owners say their wired system’s range is limited. In addition, there’s always the chance that the wires could get damaged by weather exposure.

Benefits of a wireless system

A wireless system can be located hundreds of meters away from its base unit without the risk of information loss. When used in a multiple zone configuration, one sensor can be buried in a distant field, another near a swimming pool, and the main array can be mounted on a roof or garage.

Advanced systems with WiFi capability can also be monitored remotely with an appropriate weather mobile app. This kind of mobility gives a lot of convenience. For instance, a gardener equipped with a smart sprinkler system and a wireless hygrometer sensor can turn on the water remotely after reading the soil’s moisture level.

Since many manufacturers offer a special website for data collection and real-time updates, the ideal weather station should feature WiFi or modem connectivity.

Setting up a personal weather station at home is an affordable alternative to relying on a commercial weather station. Commercial weather stations are often located in remote locations, such as an airport, and can only provide general readings for a large coverage area. Home-based weather stations are a great addition for those who have a general interest in meteorology, or need specific information for gardening projects or other weather-related activities.

Commercial weather stations can seem very attractive due to their vast capability, but reading their data takes professional know-how.

FAQ

Q. Is assembly required?
A. Basic weather stations typically require no assembly, but some do need a bit of mechanical attention before they can be mounted.
 
Q. How weather-resistant is the device?
A.Although many weather stations are designed to resist the damaging effects of wind, rain, and soil, some require extra protection.
 
Q. What kind of maintenance is required?
A. While the ideal weather station for many people would be a “plug and play” model that requires no maintenance, your attention may be needed from time to time.

• The machine’s moving parts (like the wind meter) may require regular adjustments.
• The connection between the weather station and monitor could become disrupted at times. You may occasionally need to repair a connection or replace a wire.
• Given the complexity and amount of data usually handled between the sensors and the processors, the software that operates on the raw data can sometimes crash, thereby necessitating a hard reboot or firmware upgrade.

Q. What kinds of data displays are available?
A. Some weather station data screens provide only one measurement at a time, requiring the user to toggle through several screens to get what they want. Others display all of the data at once.  Some people like this “everything at once” approach, but for others, it’s an overwhelming amount of information and unnecessary clutter.
 
Notably, more advanced weather stations offer small smartphone-like displays that include real-time updates and animations.
 
When choosing a display screen, there’s also the question of color versus black and white. For some weather fans, a color display is much easier to read, and certain weather data like heat maps come across as more expressive in their representation.
 
Q. How accurate are weather stations?
A. Entry-level and bargain-priced weather stations fare worse in lab tests than their scientific counterparts when it comes to accuracy. The climate you live in can also affect the precision of your weather station’s measurements. For example, daytime readings for ambient air temperature and rainfall tend to show as higher than average in warmer climates. Accuracy can also be affected by the condition of the sensor wires, or debris in the weather station’s housing.
 
Q. Can a weather station be calibrated to support devices and data sources?
A. It is possible to calibrate weather station sensors to match the readings of another weather instrument, but it can be a difficult task. Some models allow users to “zero out” previous rainfall measurements, or adjust the gauges to match a weather channel’s more scientific numbers.
 
Q. Where should a weather station be mounted or stored?
A. Many basic models are self-contained and made of lightweight, weather-resistant materials. As such, many people choose to attach their weather station to an exterior wall, tree, or post.