How Weather Gadgets Work

The weather is simply the state of the atmosphere, the massive gaseous layer that envelopes our planet. A number of different factors influence what goes on in the atmosphere, from solar radiation to the size of a shopping center parking lot. This makes weather rather difficult to predict at times, but by measuring observable atmospheric phenomena, meteorologists and weather bugs alike can make a decent guess.
Weather Gadgets
One important relationship in our atmosphere is that of air temperature and air pressure. When air heats up, it rises. When it cools, it descends. These two factors play a key role in air circulation and cloud formation. As such, knowing air temperature and pressure gives us a powerful insight into what’s going on in the air around us. We use thermometers to measure air temperature and barometers to measure air pressure.
­Moisture also plays an important role in weather, which is where the hydrometer comes in. When all that water falls back to the ground in the form of precipitation, rain collectors provide us with an accurate measurement. Finally, you need to know which way the wind is blowing to know where weather’s headed. An anemometer performs this task.
Professional and amateurs alike use these basic weather gadgets to figure out what the weather’s up to. Nevertheless, what if you want to check the local temperature without actually going outside?

Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Thermometers

In many ways, our lives are defined by temperature — and being able to accurately measure temperature gives us an exceptional advantage. It lets us know how much to heat or cool our homes or how much longer we need to cook a poultry dish without making everyone sick. It helps us diagnose ailments and know whether to grab a scarf on the way out the door in the morning.
Classic bulb thermometers contain a liquid that changes volume with temperature fluctuation since liquids take up less space when they’re cold and more when they’re warm. Most bulb thermometers contain mercury, which is largely immune from boiling and freezing. Sealed inside a tube, the liquid rises and falls with the surrounding temperature. Measured lines on the tube mark the temperature at which the mercury would need to be to reach that level.
Bimetallic thermometers gauge temperature with two pieces of bonded metal that expand or contract with heat. These gadgets typically show up in ovens and refrigerators, activating an electric circuit at the appropriate temperature. Electric thermometers use tiny computerized parts called thermoresistors to measure temperature. Thermoresistors resist the flow of electricity through a circuit at different levels depending on temperature.
Naturally, if you want to know the temperature on your back porch, you’ll need the thermometer to actually be located on your back porch. You can’t leave it on your dresser and expect it to tell you the outside temperature. Or can you?
Luckily, we live in an age of wireless transmitters. With a wireless indoor/outdoor thermometer, you can actually peek out from underneath the warm covers, reach over to the nightstand and check room temperature, as well as outside temperature. This is because, in addition to the inside thermometer housed in the gadget right there beside you, there’s another one outside transmitting data to the main unit. This works in much the same way a baby monitor receives data on one end (in the baby’s room) and allows it to be heard on a unit elsewhere in the home.
These remote sensors typically work within a range of around 100 feet (30 meters). With many models, you can use additional remote sensors to gauge the temperature at even more locations. With this $20 or so technology and a few fresh batteries, you don’t have to roll out of bed to know exactly what the temperature is in your room, the garage, the basement and the yard.

For more Detail: How Weather Gadgets Work


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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