The Best Weather Stations
Come rain or shine, we all like to know what to expect before we set foot outdoors. While it's easy to rely on the perpetual information stream provided by our smartphones, a weather station places the power of measurement in your hands. Operating your own station offers greater forecasting accuracy and brings you closer to the fascinating world of climatology in the process. Whether you're looking for a dedicated display to hang in the hallway or a laden sensor array that will leave no stone unturned, contemporary options come in a range of shapes and sizes. As we searched for the best weather stations on the market today, we had three questions in mind: Is there a sizable and clear display for quick reference of incoming data? Are the sensors accurate with a long signal range? Can you record incoming measurements? The La Crosse C85845-INT offers accurate temperature and humidity readings at a distance, making it one of our favorites. This station brings a ton of functionality at a great price, but might not boast enough sensor options for the keen climatologist. If you're looking for a top-of-the-range device, you'll be blown away by the range of sensors on the option from Ambient Weather. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
La Crosse Technology C85845-INT Weather Station
Tune into the seasons from the comfort of your home with this sensitive apparatus from La Crosse. This bold 3.30″ by 6.60″ backlit color LCD bursts with dynamic readouts from the temperature and humidity sensor. An effective wireless range of 330 feet means you won’t be caught short when searching for a clear, unobstructed location to collect your data. If you want to keep an eye out for incoming weather fronts, this intuitive interface makes it easy to program a range of custom alerts when specific temperature and humidity levels are reached.
Pros:
- You can power this weather station with the included 5v AC adapter, but a battery backup option means that readings won’t be interrupted in the event of a power outage.
- We love how it can be installed on the wall or placed on a tabletop using the retractable kickstand.
- A thermometer and hygrometer within the monitor allow for simultaneous indoor and outdoor readings.
Cons:
- Some might miss the lack of a barometer on this option.
Ambient Weather WS2902C Wifi Smart Weather Station
Professional grade
This smart weather station offers unparalleled precision for domestic climatology research. The advanced Osprey Sensor Array is loaded with all the bells and whistles, providing measurements for wind speed and direction, solar radiation, UV, barometric pressure, rainfall, temperature, and humidity. If you want to dig deeper than the live readouts on this bold LCD color display, seamless smartphone and tablet integration via the Ambient Weather app allows you to track history and view detailed forecasts.
Pros:
- The Ambient Weather app lets you connect to web databases like Weather Underground, the world’s largest weather station network, so you can view your data in context.
- We appreciate the option to choose between metric and imperial units, so you don’t have to do any mental math.
- An adjustable mount at the base of the Osprey Sensor Array means you can easily attach it to a variety of pole widths.
Cons:
- With a wide array of sensing apparatus, this weather station can take a little more patience to calibrate than basic options. We think the results are worth the wait.
Newentor Wireless Weather Station
Just in time
Gaze into the sharp geometry of this 7.5-inch color LCD and get an honest glimpse at the world outdoors. A dual alarm self-setting atomic clock brings exceptional timekeeping accuracy alongside your temperature, humidity, and pressure readings. The integrated moon-phase display offers additional insight into the passing of the lunar calendar.
Pros:
- The Newentor Weather Station comes with one wireless sensor included, but you can attach additional sensors on up to three channels to gather climate data from multiple locations.
- We love the integrated USB power port since it helps consolidate chargers and wall plugs. You can use this as a family phone charging station.
- Most of the weather stations we found at a similar price point don’t include a barometer.
Cons:
- The wireless sensor can only be powered by batteries, bringing an additional expense over time.
Baldr Wireless Weather Station
No frills
If you’re looking for an option that keeps things simple, this compact digital station from Baldr will get you up and running without breaking the bank. The high-precision sensor measures temperature and humidity, keeping a record of highs and lows over the previous 24-hour period. For no-fuss readings, this minimalist 3.7″ by 2.4″ LCD does away with superfluous data streams so you can focus on the essentials.
Pros:
- If you’re short of options for sensor placement, a retractable hook on the rear means you can hang this option from branches or awnings.
- This station won’t lose functionality if powered with batteries, making it a great option for cupboards or RVs.
- This large mono display is exceptionally easy to read, making it a great choice for those with impaired vision.
Cons:
- We found that operating the alarm function could take some patience. Be sure to check its status during setup to avoid a rude awakening.
Lily’s Home Analog Weather Station
This period throwback from Lily’s Home isn’t just an ornamental antique. Equipped with the mechanical sensors of yesteryear, it offers a history of climatology in magnificent style. Watch the mesmerizing dance of orbs within the Galileo thermometer, a time-honored instrument exploiting the basic properties of thermal expansion to measure temperature. Three classic dial faces provide readings for an analog hygrometer, barometer, and precision quartz clock.
Pros:
- This vintage design makes a statement. It could be a fantastic gift for weather enthusiasts.
- A choice between gold and silver metalwork gives you options for aesthetic pairing.
- The clock is battery-powered, so this weather station can be easily placed in the home without worrying about wires.
Cons:
- The wooden casing of this weather station means it’s only suited to indoor use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I place my weather station’s wireless sensor?
If you want to get consistent and accurate weather readings, you need to put some thought into sensor placement. Your weather station will include instructions for installation, and it’s important to follow these to the tee if you want precise measurements. As a rule of thumb, we recommend you set your sights on a location out of direct sunlight in a sheltered and well-ventilated location.
How long will my weather station take to calibrate?
If your weather station supports forecasting, you need to give it some time to acclimatize before this feature can provide accurate predictions. Depending on the sensor data transmitted to your weather station, it usually takes 7 to 10 days before readings stabilize.
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