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Concept
Automatic weather station
Summary
An automatic weather station (AWS) is an automated version of the traditional weather station, either to save human labor or to enable measurements from remote areas. An AWS will typically consist of a weather-proof enclosure containing the data logger, rechargeable battery, telemetry (optional) and the meteorological sensors with an attached solar panel or wind turbine and mounted upon a mast. The specific configuration may vary due to the purpose of the system. The system may report in near real time via the Argos System, LoRa and the Global Telecommunications System, or save the data for later recovery.
In the past, automatic weather stations were often placed where electricity and communication lines were available. Nowadays, the solar panel, wind turbine and mobile phone technology have made it possible to have wireless stations that are not connected to the electrical grid or hardline telecommunications network.
One of the main advantages of an automatic weather station is that it can provide accurate and reliable weather data in remote, inaccessible or hazardous locations. The AWS can be programmed to alert authorities in case of severe weather events.
Most automatic weather stations have
Thermometer for measuring temperature
Anemometer for measuring wind speed
Wind vane for measuring wind direction
Hygrometer for measuring humidity
Barometer for measuring atmospheric pressure
Some stations can also have
Ceilometer for measuring cloud height
Present weather sensor and/or visibility sensor
Rain gauge for measuring liquid-equivalent precipitation
Ultrasonic snow depth sensor for measuring depth of snow
Pyranometer for measuring solar radiation
Unlike manual weather stations, automated airport weather stations cannot report the class and amount of clouds. Also, precipitation measurements are difficult, especially for snow, as the gauge must empty itself between observations. For present weather, all phenomena that do not touch the sensor, such as fog patches, remain unobserved.
Official source
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