The Weather Observer's Handbook

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

Stephen Burt (Author)

9781009260589, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 25 April 2024

522 pages
25.5 x 17.5 x 2.7 cm, 0.956 kg

'Here, in a new second edition of the unique and popular book The Weather Observer's Handbook, we are treated to another cornucopia of knowledge on meteorological observation, collected altogether in a unique and valuable volume.' Edward Graham, Weather (Royal Meteorological Society)

This handbook provides a comprehensive, practical, and independent guide to all aspects of making weather observations. The second edition has been fully updated throughout with new material, new instruments and technologies, and the latest reference and research materials. 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. The book's emphasis is on modern electronic instruments and automatic weather stations. It provides advice on replacing 'traditional' mercury-based thermometers and barometers with modern digital sensors, following implementation of the UN Minamata Convention outlawing mercury in the environment. The Weather Observer's Handbook will again prove to be an invaluable resource for both amateur observers choosing their first weather instruments and professional observers looking for a comprehensive and up-to-date guide.

Part I. The Basics: 1. Why measure the weather?
2. Choosing a weather station
3. Buying a weather station
Part II. Measuring the Weather: 4. Site and exposure – the basics
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 temperatures
11. Measuring sunshine and solar radiation
12. Observing hours and time standards
13. Aws data flows, display and storage
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 the data avalanche work for you
19. Sharing your observations
20. Summary and getting started
Appendix 1: Metrology and meteorology: an instrument theory primer
Appendix 2: Recommended products
Appendix 3: Useful sources
Appendix 4: Mercury-based legacy thermometers and barometers
Appendix 5: Useful functions
Appendix 6: Unit conversions
References
Further reading
Index.

Subject Areas: Meteorology & climatology [RBP]