The Elements of Weather

The Elements of Weather are the atmospheric conditions that contribute to the weather and are measured regularly. These are;

1. Temperature
2. Pressure (Atmospheric Pressure)
3. Wind
4. Humidity
5. Sunshine
6. Rainfall
7. Cloud Cover

• Temperature: Temperature is the degree of hotness or coldness of a body, in this case, the atmosphere. It is commonly measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit. The Sun is the source of heat on Earth and directly affects the temperature. The temperature varies from latitude to latitude and is measured with a Thermometer.

• Pressure (Atmospheric Pressure): This is the force exerted on the Earth’s surface by the weight of the various gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. The Pressure (Atmospheric Pressure) on Earth also varies from place to place, as one moves further away from the Earth’s surface the Pressure (Atmospheric Pressure) reduces. A Barometer is used to measure Pressure (Atmospheric Pressure).

• Wind: Wind is moving air. Air movement is caused by the differences in air pressure within our atmosphere. Wind moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. Winds can carry dust, moisture, and other pollutants. We measure two aspects of Wind, its direction and speed. The direction of Wind is measured with a Wind Vane and the speed of Wind is measured with an Anemometer.

• Humidity: Humidity is the amount of moisture in the Atmosphere. It also varies from place to place, the higher the amount of water vapour or moisture in the Atmosphere, the higher the Humidity. Humidity is measured using a Hygrometer.

• Sunshine: Sunshine is the light that comes from the Sun. It is the visible part of Solar EnergyEnergy is the ability to do work. Energy exists in several forms such as heat, kinetic or mechanical energy, light, potential energy, and electrical energy. Units of Energy: The SI unit... More. Sunshine is useful for all living things. Sunshine directly affects humidity and the formation of clouds, therefore affecting rainfall. Sunshine varies from place to place and is measured with a Pyranometer, Sunshine Recorder or Sundial.

• Rainfall: Rainfall refers to the water droplets that fall in liquid form as rain from the Atmosphere. The amount of Rain varies from place to place. Rain in an area is measured over a defined period with a Rain Gauge.

• Cloud Cover: A Cloud is a visible mass of water drops or ice crystals suspended in the upper Atmosphere. Therefore, Cloud Cover is the portion of the Atmosphere filled with Clouds. Cloud cover affects the temperature on the Earth’s surface, Humidity, Rainfall and Sunshine. The Ceilometer is the device used for studying Clouds, it measures the height of cloud bases and overall cloud thickness. 

Please Note: The Weather Station is a collection of instruments and sensors that measure atmospheric and soil conditions to determine the weather. The Elements are measured daily at various intervals to obtain accurate information on the Weather.