Personal Weather Station Network
Installing Your Personal Weather Station
The location of your weather station is the most important part of installation. Proper siting influences the accuracy of your readings far more than the quality of the instruments themselves. Your station needs good "fetch" — clear distance from any obstructions that could affect temperature, rainfall, or wind measurements.
Under a tree blocks rainfall and affects temperature readings
Between buildings creates a wind tunnel effect
Open area with clear fetch in all directions
Quick Reference
Step 1: Temperature
The most common error in installing a weather station is associated with misplacing the thermometer sensor. Meteorologists define temperature as the temperature in shade with plenty of ventilation. When placing your weather station, follow these guidelines:
Do
- Place where the sensor receives plenty of ventilation and is not blocked from the wind
- If on a rooftop, ensure it is at least 5 feet above the roof surface
- If above grass, keep at least 5 feet above the grass surface
- Keep at least 50 feet from the nearest paved surface
- Use a radiation shield so the station can be in direct sunlight while keeping the thermometer shaded
Don't
- Allow the thermometer sensor to receive direct sunlight
- Place near heat sources like HVAC units, chimneys, or dark-colored walls
- Block ventilation around the sensor
Step 2: Humidity
Humidity measurements should reflect the humidity of the general atmosphere in your location. Plants and bodies of water influence humidity measurements, so proper sensor placement is essential for accurate readings.
Do
- Place in an open area that represents the general atmosphere
- Keep at least 50 feet away from the nearest tree or body of water
- Co-locate with your temperature sensor for accurate dew point calculations
Don't
- Place near irrigated gardens, pools, or ponds
- Mount directly adjacent to dense vegetation
Step 3: Rain Collector
You want the rain collector to receive rainfall as if it were in the middle of a large field. Nearby buildings create "shadows" — imagine a building to the west during a west-wind rainstorm. Your rain collector will miss rainfall because of the shadow cast by that building.
Do
- Place with at least 5 feet of horizontal clearance from the nearest obstruction
- Position in an open area that mimics a large, open field
- Keep the collection funnel level and unobstructed
Don't
- Place near tall buildings or structures that cast rain shadows
- Allow obstructions taller than 10 feet within 5 feet of the collector
- Mount under eaves, awnings, or overhanging branches
Step 4: Wind Speed & Direction
Similar to a rain collector, the anemometer should reflect the wind patterns as if the instrument was placed in a large, open field. Nearby buildings and trees can redirect, block, or accelerate wind in ways that don't represent actual conditions.
Do
- Take wind measurements at 10 meters (33 feet) above the ground when possible
- Use a rooftop mount — it works best for most installations
- Make the anemometer the highest object in the immediate area
- Keep at least 7 feet above surrounding obstructions
Don't
- Place in sheltered areas or alleys between buildings
- Mount near walls or fences that deflect wind
- Position where nearby structures could create turbulence
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before you move on, confirm that your chosen location meets these requirements:
- Thermometer is shaded (or has a radiation shield) with good ventilation
- Humidity sensor is at least 50 feet from trees and water
- Rain collector has at least 5 feet of clearance from obstructions
- Anemometer is the highest point, 7+ feet above surrounding objects
- Station has good overall "fetch" — clear distance in all directions
Frequently Asked Questions
I don't have a flagpole or fencepost to mount my station on. What should I do?
You can purchase a tripod or arm mount for your weather station. The arm mount allows you to install the station on a fence or exterior wall, while the tripod can be placed on the ground or rooftop. You can purchase these from Rainwise or Davis:
Does it matter what type of surface is underneath my weather station?
Yes. The surface type affects the temperature measured at your station. Generally speaking, dark surfaces (asphalt, black shingles) measure warmer temperatures than lighter colored surfaces (gravel, grey shingles). Ideally, your weather station should be placed 5 feet over short grass or low shrubs.
Does the weather station need to be near the receiver for data to be flowing?
Every weather station has different distance limitations between the outdoor sensor array and the indoor receiver/console. Please check your weather station's manual for specific set-up guidelines regarding wireless range.
