Home Weather Stations Unleashed

A sensor-free or virtual home weather station is becoming an attractive option for those with the climate bug. The two main choices are between a PC-based program or a standalone station receiving signals from a service. Both can be very accurate when the readings are taken in close proximity to your home or within your micro-climate.

Having your own instruments does provide the most accurate readings for your location. However, a wayward ball, frisky animal, or curious child can wreak havoc on outdoor equipment. Time and the elements can do the same as years go by. In addition, setting up a station and sensors can be quite challenging for those who lack the time or mechanical skills.

The advent of websites that link to local stations has created new opportunities for enthusiasts around the world. One only needs to point their Internet browser toward a site like the Weather Underground or WeatherBug, and they can view real time data from a station in the neighborhood. Sites like these also provide historical readings and the ability to observe conditions in countless regions. Subscriptions are free with an option of paying for certain premium services.

By tapping into services like MSN Direct, standalone stations can provide current conditions without any additional sensors. Stations are actually pulling information from commercial instruments maintained by the service. Readings are updated every two minutes and include wind, rain, chance of rain, temperature and humidity. NWS warnings are also carried on the network.

Proximity to the receiving instruments is key to the quality of options for home stations. If a service maintains instruments nearby, the virtual station becomes almost identical to having your own instruments. If a service has stations that are far away or in a different micro-climate, readings can be very different from current conditions.

The deciding factor in opting for a virtual station is most often the proximity factor. Website services tend to have an incredible number of participating stations, to the point that a single town may have multiple sites to choose from. Services to stations like MSN Direct are limited to metropolitan areas and require more research.

The thrill of tracking a storm in real time is possible without the expense and care of your own sensors. Many who were once intimidated by setting up their own home station have satisfied their passion by going virtual. The options now available for home weather stations leave much room for personal preference, aptitude, and enjoyment.

To further satisfy your storm tracking bug, visit the Weather Station eStore at http://www.weatherstationestore.com.

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