Whether your goals are personal or inclined towards professional weather monitoring, installing all your weather gear in the right circumstances is essential to reliable readings and data. Usually you may not face any hassle installing the indoor central unit and related software. The challenge arises when it comes to placing the sensors that primarily collect the data to be processed. A little bit of insight combined with a lot of common sense is exactly what will ensure that your gear gives the most reliable information and lasts longer.

What is PWS siting?

The process of correctly placing your personal weather station (PWS) in the best location possible in order to get the best performance in form of consistency, durability and accurate readings, out of the equipment is called PWS siting. Even the best quality weather gear is futile if the siting is improper. Its importance can be understood by learning about the installation instructions of each type of weather sensor which is often available with the gear or with various weather agencies.

How do you go about it?

First things first - what is the purpose of your monitoring activities. The higher the purpose, the more precise the siting has to be. If you want to know the readings in the area-span of 1-2 km, then you're involved in micro-climate monitoring which has relatively lenient requisites as compared to meso-scale monitoring that encompasses around 25 km area. Remember that your weather station hardware records its designated aspect of weather exactly at the point at which it is located.

If you're not confident, it's best to consult with the experienced ones as the instructions vary as per the type of sensors such as thermometers, rain gauges, anemometers, etc. and even the manufacturers. The perfect location is usually a myth but once you understand the principles behind siting of your gear, you can make calculated compromises regarding the readings or location.

Here are some siting basics -

1. A thermometer sensor will usually require radiation shielding in form of available shields or well-constructed aluminum mounts as it should never receive direct sunlight or close proximity to any other heating sources. It will need to be well-ventilated and atleast 5 feet above rooftop or grass surface being atleast 50 feet from the nearest paved surface.

2. Rain gauges need to be placed away from obstructions to prevent rain-shadowing. It is a good idea to host a gauge atleast one meter above the ground on a flat surface so that the apparatus never tips off.

Similar principles apply to mounting up anemometers, barometers, solar and UV sensors, etc. Several PWS are currently functional helping people receive better forecasts of the United Kingdom weather. Calculations regarding the perfect height and distance vary as per devices, topography and expert opinions. Safety should be a prime concern throughout the installation.