What are the disadvantages of automatic weather stations?

Answer 1

Computers are now being used for weather forecasting as it is much faster and accurate than us. They are also able to solve complex mathematical sums based on Weather predictions as these sums are a very challenging task for many of us. The computers can solve these sums much more quickly and accurately too.

In Brief, the task is not too much for the computers, as they can perform a series of calculations in a few moments, these calculations would take minutes and even hours for the Weather Predictors to work out.

Answer 2

A manual weather station (more commonly known simply as a weather station, as opposed to an automatic weather station) is a facility on land or sea which holds equipment used for monitoring and gauging weather patterns in order to provide information for weather forecasts. The equipment on location monitors things such as temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation amounts.

Answer 3

By "manual weather stations" I am going to assume that the user is referring to a traditional glass tube thermometer, rain gauge, hygrometer, barometer, and wind vane. Basically they are going old school with their data collecting.

The advantages of going old school are that you can purchase your instrumentation fairly economically, it has some decorative options if you are so inclined, and if you like, the challenges of manually logging all the necessary data and crunching the numbers, can be very entertaining. That is pretty much where the advantages end.

Now for the disadvantages. In comparing the above "manual" method to a modern "automated" weather station, the disadvantages of going old school become pretty obvious.

First, modern weather stations offer many capabilities you just don't get with older instruments. Features such as self-emptying rain gauges, wireless outdoor sensors that allow for proper placement and wind speed with direction measurement that can actually be read from inside the home, just to name a few.

Secondly, a modern weather station allows you stay comfortable and safe in your home while it does all the work of collecting weather data you are interested in. Up here in Wisconsin, being able to stay indoors can be pretty convenient in mid-February.

Finally, to accurately predict future weather conditions, it is necessary to maintain a fairly extensive log of past data and current trends. A modern weather station automatically logs the data and tracks changes over time and does the raw processing necessary to predict upcoming weather conditions with a fair degree of accuracy.

For the casual user, a glass tube rain gauge or a large dial outdoor thermometer can be a great addition to their backyard and I highly recommend them for their aesthetic value if nothing else. However, for those who like to know what's coming, as well as the current conditions, nothing beats having your own personal weather station that collects and presents the information you want in a convenient manner.

Hopefully this helps clear up any confusion about the disadvantages of manual vs. automatic weather stations. Feel free to check out weatherguys.net for future discussions on the different types of home weather products.

I agree, the newer weather stations have dropped in price and are some of the most accurate I have ever seen. The problem with these and most other electronic gauges and meters are one, you need to constantly change the batteries, and rechargeable batteries only last so long. Some of the wireless items can be solar charged but again, where do you store the power. You are right back to batteries again. Number 2 in the worst case scenario not if but when there is an electromagnetic interference it can cause anything a minor disruption to a total failure of circuitry. Most folks don't worry about this but, then again, I am not most folks.

Being in the outdoors and spending a lot of time in isolated areas of the country has taught me that although technology is nice it just can't take the place of some of the old ways of doing things. You always have to have a back up plan and it better not include batteries.

I would like to add one more comment. I do happen to own both manual and automatic weather stations. One of the best and cheapest is the AcuRite model 01010. It is one of a handful the AcuRite sells. What turned me on about this item was the fact that the included solar panel kicks in so as to save on battery power. You use regular batteries according to the manual and the solar panel runs the unit in place of the batteries when sunlight is available. Mine happens to be mounted on our houseboat right now but it is set up to attach to our travel trailer in a moments notice.

Answer 4

It varies by station but most stations collect: rain, temperature, air pressure, humidity, and wind speed & direction.

Answer 5

they are a complete waste of time lol i find that funny

Answer 6

Digital weather stations forecast much more accurately than traditional weather stations. Using digital stations allows for more in depth calculations and ultimately better predictions.

Answer 7

It is more reliable

Answer 8

Computers are now being used for whether forecasting as it is accurate than us they are also able to solve complex mathematical sums based on whether prediction as these sums are a very challenging task for many of us

Answer 9

Observers need to deal with different applications.