These days, our world is populated with smart devices. You can get smartphones, smart home devices, smart TVs — and now, smart weather stations. For the uninitiated, a smart weather station takes your typical weather forecasting app to a whole new level. CNET describes a smart weather station “as a set of new senses for your home.”
These devices use sensors to give you real-time information about the exact weather conditions in your area. They can monitor temperature, wind direction and speed, air pressure, UV levels, humidity, precipitation and more. Some weather stations can be connected with other devices in your home, meaning you can turn lights on or off or adjust your thermostat based on the input you receive. Or you can have your smart weather station do it automatically.Wind vane, or weathervane, to show direction, and electronic anemometer with rotating cups to measure velocity. Blue sky and clouds background. Room for text, copy space. Horizontal photo.
Smart weather stations can also help you avoid major headaches and expenses associated with problems due to extreme weather conditions. For example, when sub-zero temperatures hit, you can program your device to let you know right away so you can take action to prevent your pipes from freezing. Get an alert when high winds are in the forecast, so you can secure your patio furniture in time before it’s blown away. Determine if your pets need to be taken inside due to heat and humidity.
Another advantage of smart weather stations is that they provide you with a hyper-local forecast. Did you ever talk to a friend across town and realize it’s not raining where they are while a storm passes over your house? With a smart weather station, you can get personalized forecasts based on data straight from your own backyard, making for more accurate predictions.Getty Images | Doug Pensinger
If you’re a true weather nerd, you can also start to analyze data trends to make decisions for the future. For example, after tracking daily rainfall, you can decide how often you actually need to water the plants in your garden.
Looking to buy? If so, you may wish to check for certain features, such as smartphone compatibility that allows notifications to be send right to your phone. Some weather stations can monitor your indoor areas as well as your outdoor ones. But check to find out if the product you’re looking at has enough sensors for your needs, or if you’ll need to purchase additional ones. You may want to make sure you can easily view the screen readout. Also, look at the reach of the sensors and make sure the Wi-Fi connectivity is dependable.
Smart weather stations can definitely be helpful in maintaining your house properly and keeping your family more comfortable. Would you consider using one?