The Weather Observer's Handbook

Comprehensive, practical and independent guide to all aspects of making weather observations for both amateurs and professionals alike.

Stephen Burt (Author)

9781107026810, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 June 2012

456 pages, 128 b/w illus. 2 maps 50 tables
26 x 18.3 x 2.3 cm, 1.1 kg

'… the amount of detail means there is information relevant for all levels including experienced professionals … An obvious purchase for academic institutions with any weather-related departments, it is also exactly the sort of book which a good public library should hold.' Val Hamilton, Reference Reviews

The Weather Observer's Handbook provides a comprehensive, practical and independent guide to all aspects of making weather observations. Automatic weather stations today form the mainstay of both amateur and professional weather observing networks around the world and yet – prior to this book – there existed no independent guide to their selection and use. Traditional and modern weather instruments are covered, including how best to choose and to site a weather station, how to get the best out of your equipment, how to store and analyse your records and how to share your observations with other people and across the Internet. From amateur observers looking for help in choosing their first weather instruments on a tight budget to professional observers looking for a comprehensive and up-to-date guide covering World Meteorological Organization recommendations on observing methods and practices, all will welcome this handbook.

Part I. The Basics: 1. Why measure the weather? A history of meteorological observations
2. Choosing a weather station
3. Buying a weather station
4. Site and exposure – the basics
Part II. Measuring the Weather: 5. Measuring the temperature of the air
6. Measuring precipitation
7. Measuring atmospheric pressure
8. Measuring humidity
9. Measuring wind speed and direction
10. Measuring grass and earth temperature
11. Measuring sunshine and solar radiation
12. Observing hours and time standards
13. Dataloggers and AWS software
14. Non-instrumental weather observing
15. Calibration
16. Metadata – what is it, and why is it important?
Part III. Making the Most of your Observations: 17. Collecting and storing data
18. Making sense of the data avalanche
19. Sharing your observations
20. Summary and getting started.

Subject Areas: Meteorology & climatology [RBP], Earth sciences [RB], Earth sciences, geography, environment, planning [R]