Where is the Best Place to Locate a Weather Station
Siting your home weather station correctly has more impact on data quality than the instrument itself.
For many people, the ideal location suggestions below will not be possible. In which case place your weather station as close to these ideal locations as possible.
Why Location Matters
Proper siting minimises local biases, such as heat from buildings, turbulence from obstructions or splash from hard surfaces and ensures your readings reflect true conditions.
Temporary Test Links
Weather station – Using standard Amazon Link
Weather station – Using Amazon Affiliate Link
Sensor – Using different affiliate link (that works with Genius link on a different website)
Temperature & Humidity Placement
- Height: 1.2–2 m above ground to match meteorological standards.
- Surface: Over natural ground or short grass, at least 9 m from heat‑retaining surfaces.
- Obstructions: At least four times the height of any nearby obstacle away (e.g. 20 m from a 5 m tree).
Direct Sun Shielding – Mount an aluminium plate 15 cm from the sensor to block direct sun while allowing airflow.
Rain Gauge Placement
- Height: 0.6–1.5 m above ground to reduce splash‑in and wind undercatch.
- Horizontal Clearance: At least twice the obstacle’s height (ideally four times) from buildings, fences or trees.
- Leveling: Keep the gauge perfectly level and bevel the mounting post to divert splashwater.
Wind Sensor Placement
- Ideal Height: 9–10 m above ground; for home use, 3–5 m on a sturdy pole or rooftop is acceptable.
- Obstruction Clearance: Ensure the anemometer is the highest point within at least a 2 m radius.
- Orientation: Align wind vanes to true north for correct directional readings.
Practical Installation Steps
- Site Survey: Walk your property at sensor heights and identify clear zones.
- Temporary Test Mount: Use a portable pole for 1–2 weeks to verify reception and exposure.
- Secure Mounting: Install a non‑conductive, vibration‑dampened pole in concrete; use anti‑vibration brackets as needed.
- Level & Orient: Ensure rain gauges are level; face temperature shields north in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Cable Management: Run sensor cables through UV‑resistant conduit, leaving service loops for maintenance.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Remove debris from rain funnels and solar shields every 3–6 months.
- Battery Checks: Replace batteries annually or bi‑annually in low‑sunlight areas.
- Re‑calibration: Compare your data monthly with a nearby official station to detect drift.
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