Becoming a Weather Watcher

chadtm80 · #1 Postby **chadtm80** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 6:01 pm

How does one go about becoming a weather watcher????????????

#2 Postby **azskyman** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 6:40 pm

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!

ColdFront77 · #3 Postby **ColdFront77** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 6:47 pm

I've tried to keep track of general daily weather and temperatures, I started out on the first of the year and end up stopping. I don't know what it is.

I have two digital indoor/outdoor thermometers. One if more accurate than the other.

I should be able to stay with it with my interest in meteorology. Very annoying, I must say.

chadtm80 · #4 Postby **chadtm80** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 7:16 pm

Thanks for the great explanation azsky.. :-)

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 :-)

Any specific way i should log each day?? Spreadsheet format???

VAWXWatcher6 · #5 Postby **VAWXWatcher6** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 7:28 pm

I have a weather station with inside/outside temp, dew point (Inside/Outside), BARO with pressure and pressure trends. RainFall with HR/and 2 day trend. Wind Speed with Direction that all with my weather station. I also have 2 other thermoters and 1 other rain guage...

isobar · #6 Postby **isobar** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 3:40 pm

What kind of weather station do you guys have? My husband wants to get me one for my birthday. Judging by the prices, I told him it would count for my next 5 birthdays! :wink:

Davis and LaCross look pretty good. Any recommendations?

weatherlover427 · #7 Postby **weatherlover427** » Mon Jun 09, 2003 6:50 pm

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/skywarn.html

That is the Slywarn page for your NWS office Chad.

chadtm80 · #8 Postby **chadtm80** » Thu Jun 26, 2003 10:17 am

Jennifer (mrschad) Got me some new weather toys... Im so excited.. LOL... She got them off of ebay.. Links Below.

I love you sweetie

1st toy :rarrow:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 14022&rd=1

2nd Toy :rarrow:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 10035&rd=1

Ill be a regular poster in the Obs forum now

Becoming a Weather Watcher

Becoming a Weather Watcher

Who is online