Barometers are great tools to predict the weather, and nowadays you don't have to be a meteorologist to have one. It can be quite helpful to have one if you're a farmer, camper, sailor or construction worker. However, you can get a room barometer even if you simply wish to be alerted about potential storms or poor weather.
What's a Barometer?
A barometer is an instrument used for weather prediction, mainly designed to measure atmospheric air pressure. Meteorologists rely on this device to predict short-term weather fluctuations, particularly those associated with variations in air pressure that show the movement of high or low-pressure systems known as fronts. In high-pressure regions, air molecules migrate toward areas of lower pressure which is why a greater pressure differential between these zones results in stronger winds as one transitions from one front to another.
This is a great tool for monitoring barometric pressure, allowing accurate weather forecasts. Investing in one is particularly beneficial for people whose professions are influenced by weather conditions, such as farmers, construction workers, sailors, campers, and park rangers. However, you can easily get a room barometer if you want to be alerted about potential storms or poor weather conditions.
Types of Barometers
Mercury Barometer
The mercury barometer is the earliest instrument, developed by the Italian physicist Evangelista Torricelli in 1643. It comes with a sealed glass tube that's open at one end. Surrounding the tube is a shallow, circular dish filled with mercury, which adjusts in response to the atmospheric pressure exerted above it. As atmospheric pressure increases, it pushes the mercury upward within the tube, which is marked with a series of measurements indicating the pressure in atmospheres or bars. This way you can determine the air pressure simply by observing the level to which the mercury rises in the barometer.
Aneroid Barometer
The aneroid barometer, designed by the French scientist Lucien Vidi in 1844, features a sealed metal chamber that responds to variations in atmospheric pressure by expanding and contracting. This device uses mechanical parts to gauge the extent of these movements. Typically, aneroid barometers have circular dials that display the current atmospheric pressure (they resemble the face of a clock). A hand on the dial rotates either clockwise or counterclockwise to show the present atmospheric pressure. Also, terms such as storm, rain, change, fair, or dry are inscribed above the numerical readings on the dial, enabling easy weather interpretation for users who may not possess professional expertise.
These barometers slowly replaced mercury barometers due to their affordability, portability (as they contain no liquid that could spill), and user-friendly design. Certain aneroid barometers, known as barographs, include a mechanism that records atmospheric pressure changes over time. Barographs use needles that mark a continuous roll of graph paper, with atmospheric pressure represented on the vertical axis and time intervals on the horizontal axis. The recording mechanism rotates at specified intervals, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.
Digital Barometers
These instruments deliver precise and rapid measurements of intricate atmospheric data. Many digital barometers present current barometric readings alongside historical data from the past three, six, and twelve hours in a bar chart format, similar to a barograph. Digital barometers are preferred by meteorologists and other researchers requiring timely atmospheric information. Additionally, most smartphones are equipped with digital barometers.
What to Have in Mind?
When buying a barometer, it's essential how you plan to use it. Some people rely on it for their professional activities influenced by weather conditions. Others may simply want to stay informed about potential adverse weather so they can prepare accordingly. Once you determine your purpose for acquiring a barometer, choosing the appropriate model becomes a straightforward task.
Important Measurements
Some users may need precise data on wind speed and rainfall in their vicinity, while others might be interested in tracking humidity, barometric pressure, temperature, UV radiation, and more. Keep these factors in mind when selecting your barometer. If you are a first-time buyer and a newbie, it's not necessary to invest in the most expensive or advanced model; a budget-friendly and user-friendly option will provide all the essential information you need.
Operating Temperature
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, it's crucial to verify the operating temperature range for both the display and the sensor of the barometer before buying it. Digital models typically indicate room temperature; however, these displays may not function effectively at temperatures below zero, and some may stop operating or exhibit inaccuracies when subjected to severe conditions. It's also essential to assess the temperature sensor unit and its capacity to resist extreme temperatures.
User Friendly
Nowadays, everyone can get a barometer, no matter if they're professional meteorologists. However, certain models are more appropriate for beginners. There's no need to invest in a complicated model that may only confuse you. Opt for a barometer that's easy to read and gives you the necessary information in a comprehensible manner.
