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How to Read a Barometer and Best Ones on the Market Today
Barometers are used to be able to predict the type of weather that is expected during the day. Today, although it’s easy just to take a minute and check the weather on your phone or turn on your local news station, in the past barometers were essential for quick and accurate readings of the weather.
Although barometers were more popular in the past, it doesn’t mean that they’re still not used today. If you’re wondering firstly, what is the barometer definition, Barometer how to read it and where can I find the best ones on the market today, you’ve come to the right place.
What is a Barometer?
We think it’s best before we jump into everything there is to know about a barometer, to understand the barometer definition firstly. The barometer definition states that a barometer is a scientific instrument that is used to measure different amounts of air pressure in a certain environment. This type of barometric pressure tendency can forecast short term changes in the weather such as when it comes to rain, snow, or storm. Many measurements of air pressure are used within surface weather analysis to help find surface troughs, pressure systems, and frontal boundaries.
Not all barometers are built the same. Although they basically do the same function and look at barometric pressure, there are three main types of barometers invented.
Barometers can come in many different forms including mercury, aneroid, or in digital format.
Mercury Barometers
Before any other types of barometers were invented, mercury barometers were the only option. They showed a connection between the air pressure and the weather which led to Evangelista Torricelli, an Italian scientist to invent the first barometer in 1643.
How the barometer was designed with a long tube that was placed inside a container that had mercury in it. The tube picked up the liquid once the barometric pressure began to rise.
Aneroid Barometers
These types of barometers feature an airtight metal box inside the barometer. Once the pressure of the air changes in any way, rises or falls, the box squishes inward or flexes outwards depending on the pressure. As the box moves, there are springs that expand and contract simultaneously. This movement moves the dial and will show the weather forecast including options for fair, rain, very dry, or stormy conditions predicted.
Digital Barometers
Digital barometers are some of the most popular options on the market today. Digital meters are a bit more simple for the user, but complex behind the scenes. They involve a pressure transmitter that will instantly convert the pressure into an electric signal.
The same system that is used in digital barometers is similar to the system you would find today in smartwatches, cell phones, and other similar types of technology. Digital barometers make it easy and accurate to check the weather forecast for today, tomorrow, and the next few days.
How Do They Work?
A lot of the same technology that was used to discover how the mercury barometer still applies today. Since the atmosphere is composed of different fumes that result in a specific pressure on the Earth’s surface, the pressure acts as a weight. This weight of the air presses down on things like the land and water. We don’t really notice any of these pressure changes, but instruments, like barometers, can.
Similar to if you’re hiking or traveling to higher altitudes you can start to notice the air becoming a little thinner. A barometer has this reaction and notices pressure in the air, but even at the slightest increments, completely unknown to humans.
Aspects like air density, height above sea level, and air temperature, are all things that can affect the measurements of your barometer.
How to Use and Predict the Weather
Regardless of the type of barometer you choose to purchase, the main purpose of a barometer is completely the same – to tell the weather.
If the readings on your barometer are the same or high as the standard pressure at sea level, the weather will be expected to be quite pleasant. Perfect for outdoor activities and spending lots of pleasant time outside. On the flip side, if the pressure falls below 1 Atm or 30 inHg, the weather won’t be as nice.
The higher the barometric pressure, the more likely the weather is warm and not a lot of wind. If the pressure is low, that shows that the temperature has dropped and that weather conditions like rain or a storm could happen.
The best place to put your barometer for it to predict the weather accurately is right inside your house on a flat surface. Now that you understand how the barometer works, you’re probably wondering with the Barometer how to read it.
How to Read a Barometer
Now that you have a basic understanding of how a barometer works and the mechanisms behind the scenes, you may be wondering how on earth you read a barometer. Unless you’re using a digital barometer, reading the weather device may be a little bit difficult.
When it comes to the Barometer how to read it, it actually not all that difficult. On the barometer, you’ll notice the big moving ‘H’ and ‘L’ signs. These simply stand for high and low pressure and as we mentioned above, will help to determine what type of weather you should be expecting.
The Meanings
Essentially when it comes to the reading of a barometer, you just have to focus if the barometer readings are rising or falling. If the barometer readings remain steady, the weather will remain steady.
| Under 29.80 inHg | 29.80 to 30.20 inHg | Over 30.20 inHg | |
| Steady or Rising Pressure | Cooler weather conditions | Present conditions | Fair weather is expected to continue |
| Slowly falling pressure | Expect rain | Slight change in weather conditions | Fair weather |
| Quickly falling pressure | storm | Rain or snow | Cloudy and warm conditions |
Now that you’ve got a basic understanding of not only what a barometer is, the types of barometers on the market today, but how to actually read a barometer, we thought that it would now be useful to give options of the best barometers on the market today. Scroll down and explore the best of the best when it comes to barometers available conveniently on Amazon.
The Best Barometers on Amazon
GM GMISS Creative Fashionable Storm Glass Weather Barometer
If you’re looking for a statement piece and something a little bit more modern and simplistic than even the Galileo inspired Glass Globe Barometer, this one from GM GMISS Creative Fashionable Storm Glass Weather may be just what you’re after. Available in a variety of sizes all the way from small to xxx-large, this barometer is a natural and beautiful way to be able to know the conditions outside through a stunning decorated glass bottle.
The liquid is from transparent to turbid to crystal and is featured in a stylish windproof glass that adapts to the environment over time. Although it isn’t as accurate as a lot of high-tech barometers, if you’re looking for something that’s more as decor for a bedroom, kitchen, office or as a gift, this is definitely a great option and something that we had to mention even if it isn’t the most accurate barometer available today.
3.5 out of 5.0 stars
AMTAST Dial Type Barometer Thermometer Weather Station
If you’re looking for a traditional dial, not a digital barometer, this one from AMTAST is a great option. It’s highly rated on Amazon and is just under $35. It’s features a portable design that’s composed of a barometer, thermometer, and hygrometer all in one, compact device. It not only measures the barometric pressure but the temperature and humidity as well. Providing you with accurate readings in a simplistic, easy to read design.
There’s no special maintenance that is required for long-term use and is made from superior materials so it’s an easy and accurate way to have your own barometer for a great price tag.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Home Weather Station by SALANGE
Especially with the technology options today on the market, a lot of people are searching for a digital barometer or digital weather station. This one from SALANGAE is a popular option on Amazon and has nearly 5-stars out of 5 rating. It’s a home weather station that features a color digital screen which makes checking the current conditions outside incredibly easy.
There’s a lot of great aspects to this machine that makes it extremely practical and user-friendly. It features a remote sensor with a range of up to 200 feet to accurately check the conditions. It uses 7 different color icons and the weather symbols indicate the fluctuation of the weather over a period of 8 hours, not just the current weather outside.
It includes a variety of different features including checking the weather, humidity, and a 12 and 24-hour format along with a dual alarm clock with snooze. You can see the calendar, temperature alerts, and much more. This makes it the perfect device to replace your outdated alarm clock with.
What makes it even more appealing, it’s extremely easy to read. There are three different light settings, so if you have it right on your nightstand you don’t have to worry about the bright light interfering with your sleep.
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
AcuRite Glass Globe Barometer
If you’re looking for a barometer that is more of a traditional style but also a cool conversation starter, this one from AcuRite is a Galileo Thermometer with Glass Globe Barometer and is definitely a statement piece for any home office or living room set up.
This cylindrical thermometer and barometer set is inspired by Galileo’s instruments and interprets the temperature and weather based on principles of buoyancy and air pressure like we described above. It’s full of color with a liquid-filled sphere and colorful globes that change as the pressure changes. To make the barometer look even sharper, it features a world globe that’s made of glass next to the barometer. The wood base is about 8 inches by 8 inches in size and is a great addition to your desk or kitchen countertop.
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Overall Thoughts
We hope that this post helped you not only learn the barometer definition, Barometer how to read it and how a barometer works, but also how to find the best barometers on the market for you and your needs. With the three major types of barometers created, other than the mercury style barometer, you have a bit of choice and selection when it comes to shopping for the perfect barometer for your needs. Whether you’re looking for something digital and easy to read with additional features and functions or something a bit more straightforward, not flashy, and straight to the point, we have the perfect options for you.
With the ratings and the features and functions of the barometers above, we’re confident that if you purchase the barometers above and take the time to learn how they operate, you’ll enjoy your new barometer for years to come.
