How to Become a Backyard Meteorologist With a Few Simple Tools

Modern-day meteorologists rely on a vast network of advanced technologies to forecast the weather, but that wasn’t always the case. Before satellites, computer modeling and radar systems, people made forecasts by observing their surroundings.

The techniques and tools they used are still effective and accessible today. In fact, they are perfect for anyone interested in becoming a backyard meteorologist. With a few simple tools and a solid understanding of some basic weather concepts, you’ll be creating your own forecast in no time.

Gizmodo turned to two experts in meteorology and amateur forecasting for advice on how to get started. John Huth, Donner Professor of Science at Harvard University’s Physics Department, teaches a class on backyard weather and climate science. Associate Professor Steve Seman of Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences also instructs students in meteorology.

They break down the basics, highlight helpful tools, and offer words of wisdom for anyone looking to learn more about the weather around them.

Step 1: Learn basic science

Weather is driven by six key variables: temperature, atmospheric pressure, cloud formation, wind, humidity, and precipitation. Changes in these variables – and interactions between them – create different situations and patterns Once you understand this, you can start thinking about how air moves in the atmosphere.

“We usually start thinking horizontally at the Earth’s surface and then go vertically [movement]”Seyman said. Horizontal air movement—or wind—drives vertical air movement through convection and advection. Convection is the flow of air into a given area, causing it to accumulate and rise. Advection is the outflow of air from a given area, causing it to spread and sink.

“These horizontal air movements are also related to vertical air movements,” Seman explained. The first thing to understand is that both atmospheric temperature and pressure decrease with altitude. “These two [gradients] It’s related to the way Earth’s atmosphere works,” Huth said.

As warm air rises, it encounters lower pressure and expands, then cools in a process called adiabatic cooling. If it cools past the dew point, moisture condenses around tiny airborne particles, forming clouds and sometimes storms. When the wind subsides, the sky clears.

These are some basic concepts of atmospheric science. Although there is much more to learn, mastering the basics provides a solid foundation for understanding Earth’s complex weather system.

Step 2: Build your toolkit

One of the first things Seman and Huth teach their students is how to observe and measure weather conditions. When starting out, it can be as simple as stepping outside and asking the question: “Does it feel humid? What kind of clouds do you see in the sky?” Huth suggested.

Senses serve as a backyard meteorologist’s first toolkit. At the beginning of Huth’s course, he asked students to spend several days observing their physiological responses to various conditions. This establishes an internal baseline that helps guide their forecasts.

Once you’ve built this foundation, there’s no shortage of tools that can help you see and experience weather phenomena as you see them. But Huth and Seeman both stress that you don’t have to go out and buy a bunch of fancy equipment. In fact, you can even make some of these tools yourself.

Here’s their must-have list for your backyard meteorology toolkit:

• Dry-bulb thermometer: For measuring air temperature
• Wet-bulb thermometer: For measuring humidity
• Barometer: For measuring air pressure
• Weather Vane: For measuring wind direction
• Anemometer: For measuring wind speed
• Rain gauge: For measuring rainfall

If you’re willing to spend more money on a more high-tech setup, you can buy a home weather station instead. These compact devices collect all of the measurements listed above and typically range from $100 to over $1,000. While more expensive models may come with more advanced features and increased accuracy, you don’t have to spend that much anyway.

“For most people, it’s not even worth it because instrument siting is so important in terms of measurement quality,” Seeman said. Most don’t live in places that are ideal for gathering weather data using home stations, he explains.

Step 3: Practice, practice, practice

Full transparency – backyard meteorology isn’t the easiest hobby to pick up. Even for those with a science background, learning how to collect and interpret this type of data can sometimes be challenging and even frustrating.

Huth and Seeman can attest to this by dealing with a lot of discouraged students in their classes. The main piece of advice they give is to trust the learning process and not give up.

“There isn’t one meteorologist in the world who knows all the answers every time,” Seeman said. “So set realistic expectations for yourself and try to build up step by step.”

Hutt will agree. “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” he said. “Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not specific because the weather is notoriously fickle.”

Connecting with other backyard meteorologists or experts can also be very helpful in this regard. “I encourage students to ask lots of questions [they] Face things that just don’t make sense,” said Seman. American weather Websites—or local clubs—are great ways to meet other weather enthusiasts.

Learning forecasting may require a greater investment of time and energy than other hobbies, but it also offers a high reward. Being weather aware—watching the sky, doing self-assessments, and having a clear understanding of official forecasts from agencies like the National Weather Service—can help one make more informed decisions.

“Weather affects everyone’s daily life in some way, from what you want to wear to what your heating bill might be.”