Wireless Weather Station Options

Understanding the weather before, during, and after your flight is important for aviation safety. Many online resources are available to stay up to date on weather conditions, like Avwxworkshops, but sometimes having access at home can help the planning process.  An at-home wireless weather station can help you plan flights and help you determine routes. When shopping for a home weather station, keep in mind the power source, functions, accuracy, display, and other considerations, all detailed below.

Here are some of FLYING’s top picks for at home weather stations. 

The Davis Precision Weather Station provides accurate, reliable weather monitoring in a self-contained, easy-to-install system. The fast integrated sensor suite (ISS) updates give constant updates to stay on top of conditions. 

Weather Conditions Measured: 

Power source: Solar-powered array; battery-powered console

Wifi compatible: Yes

Display size: 3 by 4.375-inch LCD display

Sensor range: 1,000 feet

Remote access: Yes. Wireless transmission up to 1,000 feet

Special features: 

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AcuRite’s weather station is an affordable option for at-home weather monitoring. With a large LCD screen for readouts and a backlog of high and low rainfall and temperature, the AcuRite weather station calibrates to your location. 

Weather Conditions Measured:

Power Source: Solar with battery backup (array), battery-powered display console

Wifi Compatible: No

Display Size: 4 inches by 4 inches

Sensor Range: 120 feet

Remote Access: Access hub sold separately

Special Features: 

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The La Crosse Technology weather station is perfect for forecasting upcoming weather. The easy-to-read display screen measures basic weather data and is easy to set up. 

Weather Conditions Measured: 

Power Source: Two AA batteries

Wifi Compatible: No

Display Size:  1.5 inches by 5 inches

Sensor Range: Up to 330 feet unobstructed

Remote Access: No

Special Features: 

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The Tempest weather station by WeatherFlow is a smart home-enabled weather station with a laundry list of features. An advanced app allows for connections with Alexa, fast updates, and ability to record lightning. 

Weather Conditions Measured: 

Power source: Solar with battery backup or corded electric

Wifi compatible: Yes

Display size: Uses smartphone

Sensor range: 1,000 feet or more

Remote access: Yes, via smartphone app

Special features: 

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The Sain Logic weather station is a great option for accurate weather readouts. While it is similar to other options on the list, the Sain Logic does not connect through wi-fi, rather it uses bluetooth to transmit data from the sensor to the hub. The Sainlogic uses a traditional anemometer and weather vane to measure wind and is just as accurate as others. 

Weather conditions measured: 

Power source: Solar with battery backup

Wifi compatible: No

Display size: 4 inches by 5 inches

Sensor range: 250 feet

Remote access: No 

Special features: 

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The Newentor is the most affordable option on the list, but it does not disappoint. With a longer range sensor than some on the list, the Newenter is able to give accurate weather data, with alerts, in large space. The large LCD screen allows for easy readout of temperature and humidity.

Weather conditions measured: 

Power source: Battery or Plug-in

Wifi compatible: No

Display size: 7.5-inch LCD Screen

Sensor range: 200 feet

Remote access: No

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The Ambient smart weather station is a fully remote accessible weather station that can be accessed from a phone, tablet, or computer from anywhere. The Ambient weather app for Alexa and Google Assistant provide the ability to get real-time, and past weather information generated by the devices they have been linked to.

Weather Conditions Measured: 

Power source:  Solar-powered array with battery backup

Wifi compatible: Yes, 2.4 GHz required

Display size: Uses smartphone 

Sensor range: 330 feet

Remote access: Yes

Special features:

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A wireless weather station included a display unit and external sensor to provide weather reading outputs to the display screen or to a smartphone. Through different types of sensors, the weather station can give accurate data in regard to temperature, humidity, rainfall, barometric pressure, and more. 

Sensors on weather stations collect data like temperature, rain, wind, humidity, atmospheric pressure, etc., and show them on a display screen or smartphone. 

When selecting a weather station, there are a few things to consider. Understand the average weather conditions in your area and choose a weather station that can withstand average conditions while still giving you the desired weather readouts. 

Some weather stations are designed to withstand all types of weather, while others are not. Some of the more affordable options may not be able to withstand high UV indexes or rainfall, while others may withstand hurricane-like winds and rain. Understand your average weather conditions throughout the year before choosing a weather station.

The range of a weather station is important to get accurate readings as well as give accurate forecasts. The average range of an at home weather station is about 200 feet, but they can extend up to 1,000 feet. Depending on the amount of land you live on and what you are looking to measure, choosing a range that can fit your needs is important. 

At home weather stations can be powered three ways. The most common way to power an at-home station is by solar power. While solar power is the most popular, weather stations can also be battery-powered or plugged into outlets for continuous power. Depending on where you live and where you plan to mount the weather station, choose a power source that will be easiest to maintain. 

Most weather stations come with a digital LCD display to output the information the sensor read. The most technologically advanced station can connect directly to smartphones, tablets, and computers for remote access. 

Whether you are choosing a weather station for flight planning, forecasting, or just to have around the house, it is a great tool to have on hand. If this list was helpful in your search and you want to stay up to date on more useful information subscribe to Flying Magazine.