Weather Instruments

There are many types of instruments used to measure and collect weather data. Some of the instruments we are learning about include thermometers, wind vanes, anemometer, barometer, rain gauge, and weather maps.

A THERMOMETER measures the air temperature. Most thermometers are closed glass tubes containing liquids such as alcohol or mercury. When air around the tube heats the liquid, the liquid expands and moves up the tube. A scale then shows what the actual temperature is.

A BAROMETER measures air pressure. It tells you whether or not the pressure is rising or falling. A rising barometer means sunny and dry conditions, while a falling barometer means stormy and wet conditions.

A RAIN GAUGE measures the amount of rain that has fallen over a specific time period.

A WIND VANE is an instrument that determines the direction from which the wind is blowing.

A WIND SOCK is a conical textile tube, which resembles a giant sock, designed to indicate wind direction and relative wind speed.

An ANEMOMETER measures wind speed. The cups catch the wind, turning a dial attached to the instrument. The dial shows the wind speed.

A HYGROMETER measures the water vapor content of air or the humidity.

A WEATHER BALLOON measures weather conditions higher up in the atmosphere.

WEATHER SATELLITES are used to photograph and track large-scale air movements. Then meteorologists compile and analyze the data with the help of computers.

WEATHER MAPS indicate atmospheric conditions above a large portion of the Earth’s surface. Meteorologists use weather maps to forecast the weather.

Here are some games related to this concept:

Study Jams Weather Instruments

The Weather Game

Weather Report

Wildest Weather