The Guide to Common Terms for Tracking Weather

When it comes to tracking the weather, there are countless tools and technologies available, each playing a unique role in collecting and interpreting atmospheric data. Weather monitoring is no longer the exclusive domain of meteorologists; it’s a critical practice used in agriculture, aviation, firefighting, event planning, environmental science, and even military operations. Understanding the core terminology and instruments behind weather tracking is essential for professional safety protocols or personal awareness.

Modern weather instruments offer varying degrees of precision, automation, and portability. While some tools measure single variables like humidity or wind speed, others integrate multiple sensors into compact devices or sophisticated weather stations that log and transmit data in real time. Selecting the right tools begins with knowing what each instrument measures and how that information can be applied. This knowledge empowers users to make more informed decisions—whether that means adjusting irrigation schedules, delaying a sporting event, or issuing heat advisories in high-risk zones.

This guide will examine foundational weather measurement instruments—including the hygrometer, psychrometer, and anemometer—alongside more advanced, integrated monitoring systems such as Kestrel Instruments. These solutions provide comprehensive, user-friendly data in real-world environments, helping individuals and teams across industries stay alert, proactive, and prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

What is a Hygrometer?

A hygrometer is an instrument used to measure the amount of humidity, or water vapor, present in the air. This measurement is vital in numerous disciplines because humidity can influence comfort, health, equipment performance, and even biological processes. Accurate humidity readings help prevent the growth of mold and mildew, protect sensitive electronics, preserve artwork and archival materials, and regulate indoor environments for respiratory comfort.

In agriculture, hygrometers monitor greenhouse conditions to maximize plant health and yields. In industrial settings, they ensure that environmental parameters stay within safe operational limits. Even museums and laboratories rely on humidity monitoring to protect delicate artifacts or maintain sample integrity. In homes, smart thermostats often include built-in hygrometers to optimize indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

There are several types of hygrometers, each tailored to specific use cases and accuracy requirements. Two of the most common include:

• Mechanical Hygrometers: These use organic materials such as human or animal hair that contract or expand depending on the relative humidity.
• Wet and Dry Bulb Hygrometers: Also known as psychrometers (discussed below), these consist of two thermometers—one dry and one with a water-soaked wick—to derive humidity through evaporation and temperature difference.

Hygrometers are often used in homes to manage indoor air quality, especially for individuals with respiratory issues or to prevent mold growth. In professional settings like agriculture, they help regulate greenhouse environments and ensure optimal conditions for crop growth.

What is a Psychrometer?

A psychrometer is a simple yet powerful type of hygrometer that calculates relative humidity using two distinct temperature readings. It is an essential tool in meteorology and environmental sciences because it provides quick, accurate assessments of atmospheric moisture content without requiring complex electronic components. The psychrometer is particularly valued in educational settings because it offers a tangible demonstration of how evaporation impacts cooling, a principle central to understanding heat stress and comfort levels.

In many cases, psychrometers are used in conjunction with psychrometric charts or equations to determine relative humidity, dew point, and vapor pressure. This makes them versatile tools for anyone needing a comprehensive snapshot of air-moisture conditions, from HVAC specialists optimizing building climates to researchers analyzing ecosystem health. Despite their simplicity, psychrometers remain highly relevant due to their reliability, portability, and low cost.

• Dry Bulb Thermometer: Measures ambient air temperature.
• Wet Bulb Thermometer: Contains a cloth wick soaked in water; evaporation causes it to cool, and the resulting temperature difference indicates humidity.

Psychrometers come in two main forms:

• Sling Psychrometers: Manually spun to facilitate evaporation.
• Digital Psychrometers: Provide automated readings for easier use in professional settings.

This instrument is particularly useful for meteorologists, HVAC technicians, and educators teaching basic atmospheric science. It demonstrates the cooling effect of evaporation and gives real-world insight into how moisture impacts temperature perception.

What is an Anemometer?

An anemometer measures wind speed and wind direction in many modern designs. These instruments play a vital role in understanding atmospheric motion and are essential in aviation, marine navigation, weather forecasting, environmental research, and renewable energy. Accurate wind data can influence everything from pilot flight paths and shipping routes to turbine efficiency in wind farms and safety precautions for outdoor events.

Traditional cup anemometers, among the most recognizable types, feature rotating cups attached to a vertical shaft; the rotation speed corresponds to wind velocity. They are durable, straightforward, and widely used in both stationary weather stations and handheld devices. However, as measurement needs have grown more advanced, so have the anemometers available. Some integrate digital displays and automated logging, while others provide simultaneous wind speed readings, direction, and turbulence. These improvements make them indispensable tools for professionals working in extreme environments or conducting long-term climatological studies.

More advanced models include:

• Vane Anemometers: Combine wind speed and direction in a single unit.
• Ultrasonic Anemometers: Use sound waves to calculate wind velocity and are ideal for high-precision scientific applications.

Anemometers are essential for monitoring weather events ranging from calm breezes to extreme conditions such as hurricanes and tornadoes. For instance, tornado wind speeds can exceed 300 mph, well beyond what many devices can safely measure.

Getting All Weather Measurements in One Device

While individual instruments are valuable for targeted readings, professionals and serious enthusiasts often require more comprehensive data to make fully informed decisions. In many cases, conditions in the field change rapidly, and carrying multiple devices to measure temperature, humidity, wind, and pressure isn’t practical. That’s where integrated solutions offer a clear advantage.

Kestrel Instruments bridges this gap by delivering compact, all-in-one devices that combine the functionality of multiple weather tools into a single, durable unit. These multi-parameter meters eliminate the need for cross-referencing separate readings or relying on partial data. With their portability, real-time accuracy, and wireless connectivity, Kestrel devices are designed for field professionals who need fast, reliable environmental insights—whether managing safety on a construction site, calibrating equipment for optimal agricultural output, or training elite athletes under high-heat conditions.

Portable Weather Monitoring vs. Automated Weather Stations

Kestrel Instruments offers a wide range of portable weather meters and automated weather stations that simplify field data collection and expand access to real-time, reliable environmental insights.

These tools are designed to function in demanding outdoor environments and deliver precise measurements across a wide spectrum of weather variables, all in a compact and easy-to-use format. From handheld meters that fit in a pocket to sophisticated multi-sensor stations that can transmit data to the cloud, Kestrel devices meet the needs of both mobile users and long-term installations.

• First responders managing wildfire zones
• Athletes monitoring heat stress during training
• Farmers tracking soil and air conditions
• Researchers conducting field experiments

Kestrel Meters and Data Loggers

Kestrel meters and data loggers are rugged, compact, waterproof devices engineered for real-world use in unpredictable environments. Whether mounted on a tripod in a field station or clipped to a pack during backcountry excursions, these instruments are designed to deliver dependable, real-time weather data when it matters most. Professionals trust them in emergency response, military operations, environmental science, and competitive sports for their precision, portability, and durability.

In addition to their tough construction, Kestrel devices support a wide range of environmental monitoring needs. From tracking fast-changing wind conditions on a fire line to evaluating heat stress during a sports practice or documenting long-term weather trends for research, these meters ensure consistent data collection. Many models also feature long battery life, user-friendly interfaces, and options for customizable data logging intervals to meet diverse field requirements.

Kestrel meters and data loggers provide real-time readings of essential environmental parameters, including:

• Temperature
• Relative humidity
• Wind speed and direction
• Wind chill
• Barometric pressure
• Dew point
• Heat stress index
• Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)

One key advantage of Kestrel meters is their Bluetooth compatibility via the free Kestrel LiNK app. This allows users to view, store, and share data from a smartphone or tablet, streamlining field operations and team coordination.

The KestrelMet 6000 Weather Station

The KestrelMet 6000 is a professional-grade, all-in-one weather monitoring solution designed for long-term data collection, real-time alerts, and convenient remote access. Built to withstand tough environmental conditions, it features a suite of highly accurate sensors and a durable weatherproof enclosure, making it suitable for year-round use in diverse climates.

This station is ideal for users who require comprehensive, continuous monitoring of local atmospheric conditions. It supports applications across agriculture, emergency management, environmental research, and facility operations—anywhere dependable and detailed weather data can drive more informed decisions. The system's automated nature reduces the need for manual readings and data entry, and its integration with cloud-based platforms ensures that data is easily accessible from anywhere.

Combined with low maintenance requirements and fast, simple setup, the KestrelMet 6000 provides a reliable, high-performance option for those who need to monitor environmental trends over time or respond quickly to changing weather scenarios.

Standard Features

This station includes sensors for measuring:

• Barometric pressure
• Ambient temperature
• Relative humidity
• Wind speed and direction
• Rainfall
• Solar irradiance

Optional Agricultural Sensors

For agricultural users, the KestrelMet 6000 AG model includes additional sensors that monitor:

• Soil temperature
• Soil moisture
• Leaf wetness

These data points help farmers make informed decisions about irrigation, crop health, and disease prevention.

Remote Data Access

The KestrelMet 6000 syncs seamlessly with the Ambient Weather Network (AWN), enabling remote viewing of current and historical data through a user-friendly online dashboard or mobile app. Users can access an intuitive interface that visualizes key measurements such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation over customizable timeframes. This accessibility supports both casual users and professionals in analyzing trends, setting up alerts for extreme conditions, and planning responses based on accurate, location-specific data.

Charts, alerts, and real-time updates make it easy to monitor weather developments, whether you're managing agricultural operations, organizing outdoor events, or conducting environmental research. Additionally, integration with the AWN platform allows users to share weather station data publicly or privately, promoting collaboration and transparency in community and research-based weather tracking.

Choosing the Right Weather Monitoring Tools

From simple tools like hygrometers and anemometers to sophisticated all-in-one weather stations, understanding and selecting the right instruments is essential for accurate weather tracking. Reliable data is the foundation for smart decisions, whether you're scheduling irrigation, planning a training session, or coordinating emergency response. Each instrument serves a specific purpose, but when chosen and used correctly, they work together to provide a holistic view of environmental conditions.

Kestrel Instruments delivers professional-grade solutions tailored for every user, from backyard observers and educators to firefighters, farmers, and military personnel. Their equipment is known for durability and precision and for its ease of integration into diverse workflows and operating environments. With a range of portable meters and remote stations, Kestrel empowers users to collect, interpret, and act on weather data confidently.

Whether you're tracking heat stress in athletes, preparing for severe storms, managing microclimates in your fields, or ensuring safe working conditions, the right tools make all the difference. With Kestrel, you’re equipped to face any condition with clarity, confidence, and control, turning real-time data into actionable insight across every industry and environment.