In message , Bernard Burton
writes

snip



One of the essentials of taking making weather recordings is to be able to
compare these with those made at other locations. When making any scientific
measurement, it is essential that the conditions are standardised is as far
as is possible, else the values produced will be of little if any value, and
could be misleading or lead to an incorrect conclusions by anyone attempting
to use them. For making weather observations, the conditions for the
exposure of instruments and their type is carefully laid down so that
meaningful comparisons both temporal and spatial can be made. I would advise
anyone, before setting up a weather station, to ascertain if the standard
conditions can be met at the location available and with the equipment
envisaged. If not, it would be advisable to consider whether a weather
station is actually a worthwhile investment.


--
Bernard Burton
Wokingham, Berkshire, UK.


It all depends on what the recordings are to be used for. There are
plenty of reasons why someone might want to record conditions in, for
example, their garden even if they cannot achieve anything like a
"standard" exposure. Frost occurs whether or not the exposure is
standard. If you measure rainfall in the middle of your garden, that's
probably quite indicative of what the garden receives irrespective of
the exposure.

Norman.
(delete "thisbit" twice to e-mail)
--
Norman Lynagh Weather Consultancy
Chalfont St Giles 85m a.s.l.
England

In message
Gianna Stefani wrote:

Col wrote:
"Gianna Stefani" wrote in message
...


It is always worthwhile for anyone interested in observing and recording
the weather.


Indeed. As long as you recognise the limitations of the site/equipment
and are aware that ultimately your data may only be comparable to
itself and not surrounding sites.

Col

I agree entirely. I do compare my data with the local official site (a
few km away) and there is usually no significant difference (now that I
have solved my little barometer problem!).
For wind direction I admit to cheating slightly - I use the wind vane
atop a nearby lighthouse as a guide (-:


I think, remembering the location of the original comment, that you need to
remember that Leicester is basically situated in a hollow. The only way out
of Leicester that doesn't involve climbing is to follow the quite narrow Soar
valley northwards. This means that we avoid many of the extremes of weather
and especially of wind.

Yes, we had quite a squall yesterday when the CF went through, and judging by
the movement of the trees across the road from me, at least Force 7
Beaufort (I don't have an anenometer). Where I live is about 1Km from the
valley botton, on the western slope at about 70m asl.

In particular I note that my temperature readings are gemerally a little
above what might be expected. My mean for 2004 was 11.15C, perhaps half a
degree above neighbouring stations with a more rural location. At this time
of year my minima are generaly higher than those recorded a couple of miles
further from the city centre on clear calm nights.

Local microclimate can be hugely important, so a simple comparison of
readings with nearby official stations can be instructive, but discrepanies
do not necessarily indicate shortcomings in your instruments.

Martin


--
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