Becoming a Weather Watcher
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2003 6:01 pm
How does one go about becoming a weather watcher????????????
Watching weather can be as simple as checking the sky every day. Or it can be as complex as reporting your backyard weather to TV stations, or SKYWARN team leaders, or even to newspapers in your area.
You can do it without instruments at all to begin with, and then you add something now and then to improve your weatherwatching experience.
Most people start with things like outdoor thermometers, rain gauges, and barometers. You can grow your station into high tech locations with data being recorded into your computers. You can add wind measuring equipment, lightning detectors, and much much more.
The most important accesory you can have is a constructive attitude according to long teme weather enthusiast Morgan Monroe of Sandpoint, Idaho, who used to write for Weatherwise Magazine.
I'd encourage you to start by simply keeping a record on your computer, in a journal, or in a day book of the different weather you experience each day. You can grow your hobby by adding a rain gauge or thermometer next. And grow it more with a barometer later. Lots of opportunities.
I'm a lifelong weather observer who hasn't gone a day in my life without appreciating what the sky has to offer. These days I record precipitation at my home station, but I have four barometers and 3 temperature sensors to keep an eye on.
Be happy to encourage anyone who wants to pursue this as a hobby and there is a very good chance I can put you in touch with a longtime observer in your very own state who you might be able to learn more from.
Drop me an e-mail anytime, and I'll help in any way I can.
There is no better hobby than weatherwatching in my estimation!
K, guess ill start by just keeping a log for myself.... I have a thermometer and rain gauge.. no barometer 
Where could one pick up a cheap, but reliable one??? Ill have to put my weather system on my christmas list.. Cant wait till the day i get one 
