General description of the weather
In addition to measuring and observing the current meteorological conditions, we want you to give a general description of the weather.
In this project we will use the following classification terms: Good Visibility, Mist, Fog, Drizzle, Rain, Snow, Hail and Thunderstorm.
Wind
Wind direction is measured in terms of which direction the wind is blowing from, and is indicated by azimuth in degrees. A wind vane can be used to measure the direction. Most wind vanes have a point, or arrowhead, which faces the wind. Therefore one may simply read the compass direction toward which the arrow is pointing. The reading range is between 0 and 360 degrees.
Remember to place the wind vane in such a way that nothing blocks or distorts the airflow.
Wind speed can be measured with an instrument called an anemometer. Many different kinds can be bought. A simple and cheaper way is to observe how features around you react to the wind (see Winds Speed table on the right).
Measuring Cloud Cover
Thermal infrared channel image, IR 10.8, including ground observations from Interactive Meteosat
The cloud pattern over Europe can be clearly seen in this Meteosat IR image.
The coverage of clouds over a certain point is assessed to give a measure of current weather conditions. The sky is divided into quarters. So if a quarter of the sky is covered with clouds, or if the clouds are scattered evenly throughout the sky, but still only occupying a quarter of it overall, 'scattered clouds' are recorded and cover is reported as 1/4.
| Cloudiness | Description | | 0 | Clear | | 1/4 | Scattered clouds | | 2/4 | Partly cloudy | | 3/4 | Mostly cloudy | | 4/4 | Overcast |
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Measurement of temperature
Temperature can be rather difficult to measure in a scientifically correct manner. The correct way to measure temperature is with a thermometer placed in a shelter, out of direct sunlight.
A box-like structure (called a Stevenson screen) is often used to protect meteorological instruments against exposure to direct sunlight, precipitation, and condensation, while at the same time providing adequate ventilation. Instrument shelters are painted white, have louvered sides (slats) and usually a double roof. A Stevenson screen may be mounted on a stand several feet above the ground with the door side facing north.
If you don't have access to such a shelter, you can measure temperature sheltered from wind and sun. Be sure to hold the thermometer (especially its base) away from your body or reflecting walls to prevent it from being influenced by other heat sources, e.g. your body temperature.
How to upload observations
After you’ve made your observations, you can submit them to the project database so that they can be shared with others (http://www.asrc.ro/imeteosat_beta/map_view.php).
Each user has to register to be able to submit observations.
You will also need to know the latitude and longitude of your school or the site where the observations were made.
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