Book 7, Question 128
Why Do Weather Stations Sit in Open Spots?
Weather stations measure the air, and they sit out in wide open spaces. Buildings, trees, and hot pavement can change the wind, rain, and temperature around them. Open spots help the instruments measure the true local air, and that is why stations sit there!
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 7
More fun facts
- The United States has more than 900 automated weather stations called ASOS.
- ASOS stations are run together by the National Weather Service, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense.
- ASOS stations were designed to help both weather forecasters and airplane pilots.
- Official thermometers are kept 1.2 to 2 meters above the ground and shaded from direct sun.
- The ground can be much hotter than the air, so measuring too close to it would give the wrong air temperature.
- A homemade weather vane works best where no nearby objects block the wind.
Sources: NOAA, NOAA, NASA Science, NOAA Ocean Service
Questions kids ask
How high are official thermometers?
About 1.2 to 2 meters above the ground, in the shade.
How many automated weather stations does the U.S. have?
More than 900 ASOS stations.