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Wednesday February 19th, 2020 - 3:02 pm

Our next instrument in the 'Dissecting the Weather Tower' series is the Anemometer!

The anemometer sits atop the weather tower (10 meters from the surface) in order to measure near-surface winds (both speed and direction). It is placed well off the surface so that there aren't any obstructions nearby that could create erroneous measurements.

Wind speed is typically recorded in mph or knots, while direction is measured in compass degrees (0 - 360). The wind direction is recorded as the way in which the wind is coming from (i.e. northerly wind means winds are blowing from the north), which is important to know as a weather observer and forecaster since the directional component of the wind tells us a lot about the current weather pattern!

When recording wind speed, there are two parameters measured / calculated: sustained winds and maximum wind gusts. Sustained winds are a 2 minute average of the observed wind speed, whereas wind gusts are measured as the highest wind speed, which is recorded every 5 seconds to capture these short-lived, stronger bursts of wind.

If you have any questions or would like more information about this instrument, feel free to message us or comment below! ... See MoreSee Less

Friday February 14th, 2020 - 10:00 am

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!💕

Chilly conditions persist throughout the day today but we are finally dry! Clouds should clear out slowly by the afternoon hours. Another cold night is in store tonight with temperatures falling back into the teens across much of the region. ... See MoreSee Less

Thursday February 13th, 2020 - 9:24 pm

🌬️Chilly Evening:

A cold front has passed through the area bringing with it a cold NW wind. This will continue to usher in chilly temperatures that will drop into the teens tonight. Wind chills for the morning commute could be near 10 degrees so bundle up! ... See MoreSee Less

Wednesday February 12th, 2020 - 5:34 pm

☔️Rainfall Forecast:

Rain will continue into the overnight hours bringing some heavy rainfall to the region. The majority of the region will see up to around an inch of rain. Watch for flooding in low lying areas and near small creeks and stream. With the ground already saturated from recent rains, flooding is likely. Remember: TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN ... See MoreSee Less

Wednesday February 12th, 2020 - 1:27 pm

The next parameter discussed in our 'Dissecting the Weather Tower' series is Barometric Pressure!

Barometric pressure is essentially the weight of the atmosphere pressing down at some location. This important variable is measured using a Barometer and in Scalia's case, a digital barometer. This instrument is housed 2 meters above ground level and within the data logger for protection and safety purposes. The main importance of the Barometer is to relay information regarding vertical motions above the surface, like rising/falling air, which leads to high/lower pressure.

Please feel free to comment with any questions you might have about the instrumentation! ... See MoreSee Less