Measuring Tools

Is a Rain Gauge Important For Your Location?

A rain gauge is an instrument used by hydrologists and meteorologists to measure the amount of liquid precipitation over a predefined area and period. They measure gallons per square inch of rainfall and the precipitation depth over a unit area. You may be wondering if a rain gauge is essential for your location. Here are some things to consider when buying one:

Location

rain gaugeDepending on your location, the location of your rain gauge is vital for accurate measurements. It would help if you kept it at least three metres above the ground and away from the wind to reduce wind-driven error. In addition, you should keep it well protected from debris and wind-driven wind. In addition, the rain gauge should be free of any obstructions that may deflect the rain. In addition, you should keep the closest object away from the rain gauge by at least two or three times its height.

The best location for your rain gauge is an open area free of obstructions such as trees, bushes, and other structures. It should be far from buildings and other objects to keep it level. It should be free from wind and excess noise. In addition, the rain gauge should be level. When mounting it, consider the level of your yard. The slope should be consistent across the entire area. If you don’t have a levelled yard, you may need to adjust the height of the rain gauge.

Material

Typically, a rain gauge can be staked into the ground or mounted on a wall or fence. While acrylic is weather resistant, it can discolour if left in direct sunlight for long periods. Choose a rain gauge made from a weather-resistant material such as plastic to prevent this from happening. It should also have at least a ten-meter clearance on all sides. For safety reasons, rain gauges should be placed in an open area where the moisture collected on the roof does not affect it.

Capacity

Many rain gauges are available, including graduated cylinders, tipping buckets, buried pit collectors, and weighing gauges. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the correct rain gauge for your home depends on your needs, budget, and the size of the rainy season. Below are a few crucial factors to consider when selecting a rain gauge. The capacity of your rain gauge will determine how accurate your data will be.

A rain gauge’s capacity refers to how many inches it can accurately measure. The larger the opening, the better, but a rain gauge that can measure more than one inch is preferable for heavy rainfall. Its accuracy will depend on the opening size, which should be at least four inches. The accuracy of rain gauges will depend on how accurate they can measure the amount of rain within a few minutes. The finer the resolution, the higher the accuracy, lowering the maximum amount of rainfall.

Accuracy

Many rain gauges are available, but accuracy is one of the most important things to consider. Rain gauges are highly reliable but may not give precise readings. For example, they measure rainfall at quarter-inch intervals, whereas many other rain gauges measure to the nearest hundredth or tenth. It would help if you considered this when choosing a rain gauge, as evaporation loss can significantly reduce the accuracy of the readings.

The accuracy of rain gauge readings will vary depending on micro-location and wind. The highest accuracy will be seen in gauges with a four-inch diameter or larger. These are rare and expensive but are the gold standard for rain gauges. If accuracy is crucial, you should consider getting a gauge with an eight-inch diameter. However, these gauges can be awkward to use and may not be accurate enough. You should also take into consideration the cost and inconvenience of installing one.

Maintenance

The maintenance of rain gauges is an integral part of its operation. This instrument measures rainfall in inches but can show zero inches of rain during a storm. Regular cleaning of the tipping bucket screen will prevent the rain gauge from showing inaccurate readings. In addition, the open part of the rain gauge is prone to collecting debris, such as leaves, bird droppings, and insects. Regular wiping will keep the rain receiver clean and unobstructed.

A weighing rain gauge requires manual emptying and is not ideal for very cold or extremely hot climates. A weighing rain gauge’s measuring cylinder requires extensive post-processing to get usable rain data. It also consumes excessive power and produces errors. Therefore, following the maintenance recommendations provided in the manual is crucial. Once a month, you should check for leaks, but don’t do this during the winter.