Measuring Weather

What does a thermometer measure and how does it work?

Measures air temperature. Liquid (alcohol or mercury) expands up a glass tube when heated. Measured in degrees Celsius (°C).

What does a barometer measure and how do you read it?

Measures air pressure. Rising pressure = sunny and dry (High pressure, H). Falling pressure = stormy and wet (Low pressure, L).

What does a hygrometer measure and in what units?

Measures humidity — the water vapour content in the air. Measured as a percentage (%).

What does a rain gauge measure and how does it work?

Measures precipitation/rainfall. Collects rainfall over a set time period. Measured in millimetres (mm).

What does an anemometer measure and how does it work?

Measures wind speed. Spinning cups catch the wind and turn a dial to show speed.

What does a wind vane measure and how does it work?

Measures wind direction. The arrow points to where the wind is coming from.

What are all six weather instruments and what does each measure?

Thermometer = air temperature. Barometer = air pressure. Hygrometer = humidity. Rain gauge = precipitation/rainfall. Anemometer = wind speed. Wind vane = wind direction.