You can make some observations by just watching the weather and recording what you see, but for others you will need some equipment.
To gather weather data, make your observations at the same time each day over a period of time.
2pm Recordings
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Making Observations
Weather Equipment
Choose the location of your thermometer carefully, as having it fully in the sun or the shade will give inaccurate readings.
Thermometer
Use a thermometer to take the air temperature.
Check the temperature at different times of day over time and record your results.
Weather Equipment
Did you know?
Humidity can cause damage to musical instruments such as pianos and guitars. Some musicians use hygrometers to ensure their instruments aren’t exposed to too much moisture in the air.
Hygrometer
A hygrometer is a piece of equipment used to measure the humidity in the air.
Weather Equipment
The wind vane should be located high up and in an open area away from buildings or other obstructions.
Wind Vane
A wind vane is used to show the direction of the wind. It is also sometimes called a weather vane or weathercock.
It has the directions of the compass on it so the wind direction can be read.
Weather Equipment
Anemometer
A wind sock is used to show the wind strength and direction.
Wind Sock
An anemometer records wind speed.
The wind causes the anemometer to spin and the number of rotations it makes are used to give a wind speed reading.
Weather Equipment
It is important to put the rain gauge in a spot that isn’t sheltered so that it can accurately gather any precipitation.
Rain Gauge
A rain gauge is used to measure rain and other types of precipitation.
It is measured in millimetres.
You do not need advanced equipment to make observations about the weather.
Use Your Eyes!
The best thing you can do is to be observant and record what you see.
You can also make basic weather measuring equipment of your own!
Making The Links
Use these prompts to help you:
After you have gathered some data on the weather over a period of time, you can analyse it to look for patterns and to make predictions.
What months had the most sunshine?
What months had the most precipitation?
What types of clouds were associated with different types of weather?
What wind directions were associated with different types of weather?
What air pressure was associated with different types of weather?