Because it allows the display of highly accurate weather forecasts and readings, the weather station is of great importance, even in times of weather apps on smartphones. It is suitable for both personal and professional use. How to choose a weather station that meets your needs? The answers are in our buying guide.
What is a weather station for?
What exactly is a weather station? It is a device for displaying various precise and detailed weather information, such as outdoor temperature, humidity, sunshine, etc. As well as the weather forecast for the day or week to come.
The advantages of a weather station
Compared to the weather forecast on the Internet or a smartphone, the weather station has the advantage of geographical, temporal, and meteorological precision. It provides the closest geolocated information, updates in real time, and displays detailed indicators (risk precipitation, humidity, etc.).
Therefore, it is a real asset for professionals whose activity depends on the weather (such as farmers or construction workers) or for people who practice outdoor recreation (such as athletes or hikers).
The functionalities of a weather station
Not all weather stations offer the same measurement indicators: depending on the price range, the data will be more or less exhaustive and precise. Here are some of the most common metrics on weather stations:
- temperature (indoor and / or outdoor);
- rainfall;
- wind speed and direction;
- atmospheric pressure ;
- rainfall and weather forecast;
- air quality.
Which model of weather station to choose?
There are several types of weather stations:
Local weather stations
Entry-level weather stations have integrated sensors or remote sensors, which communicate with the station wirelessly to display weather conditions in real time. These affordable models are intended for the general public who do not need comprehensive information.
Connected weather stations
The connected weather stations are connected by WiFi to the Internet, in addition to its sensors. This allows it to display meteorological data, particularly the forecasts for the week, to complete the readings in real time. This is certainly less precise data in terms of geolocation, but it is of interest to professional audiences.
“Interconnected” weather stations
This type of weather station is not only connected via WiFi, but it can also communicate via WiFi, Bluetooth or USB, with your smartphone. You can also link it to your possible home automation accessories. We can thus imagine that the equipment of your connected home automatically adapts to the weather (closing shutters, deactivating lights, activating automatic watering, etc.).
Finally, this connection allows you to export the data from your station to use it, particularly to establish histories or trends over several months.
Selection criteria for a weather station
Format and sensors
There are more or less imposing stations, and it will be advisable to choose the one adapted to the place you have available. But above all, it is necessary to consider the number of sensors available.
The “all-in-one” models where you can integrate all the sensors will be ideal and generally sufficient for people living in apartments. Conversely, once you have a garden, stations with “remote” sensors become interesting.
But it is still necessary to position these sensors optimally. You must place the thermometric probe in the shade. The rain gauge must be far from trees and houses. Be careful not to choose a highly sophisticated model, most of which sensors would be obsolete since you could not position them optimally.
Power Supply
While almost all stations are wireless, some run on batteries while others have a rechargeable battery. However, there are wired models, ideal for professionals who cannot afford the interruption of measurements, even for a few hours.
Also, pay attention to external probes and sensors, which need their own power supply. Last alternative: some stations or their sensors have solar panels, which can supplement the supply by batteries or by battery.
Data on Display
Basic models, suitable for the general public, display general data like temperature, barometry, and weather forecast for the day. They also display the calendar and time and even have an alarm clock function that can be useful if you are looking for an “all-in-one” device.
The more we move upmarket, the more specific the features become. Some stations even have an alert feature that sends you a notification in the event of a meteorological change (frost, precipitation, thunderstorms, etc.). Another point to keep in mind is the frequency of measurements. Depending on the station, this can vary between once a minute and once every five seconds.
Screen
The cheapest stations offer a fairly classic digital display. The most sophisticated have a backlit screen that is much more readable, especially outdoors. Screen quality, however, directly affects the power setting, with a brighter screen requiring more power.
Take the time to look at the user interface and see if it matches your expectations. Are there any colors? How are the indicators displayed? Can you customize the interface to display your “favorite” indicators?
The price
Entry-level models start around $20.
From 50-60 dollars and up to 100 dollars, we go upmarket slightly, with more sensors, a more readable display, and more precise data.
For professional quality, it is necessary to bet on a high-end station with much more sensors, a possible Internet connection, and a price that amounts to several hundred dollars.
What are the brands of weather stations?
Among the most famous weather station manufacturers, we recommend:
- La Crosse Technology: one of the historical market leaders, a specialist in weather stations;
- Davis Instrument: an American manufacturer of measuring devices;
- Oregon Scientific: a manufacturer of electronic devices with reliable and accurate weather stations;
- Bresser: a European leader in optics based in Germany;
- Dostmann: a German specialist in professional measuring devices;
- Netatmo: a specialist in home automation whose weather stations work in harmony with other connected equipment.
