Observing: the Weather

So, as I mentioned previously, there is a permaculture adage "observe, observe, observe". In my effort to become a better observer, I decided it was time to get a weather station. I got a basic indoor/outdoor temperature sensor and a rain gauge -- both from a local hardware store. The remote temperature sensor is set up out in the rabbitry so we can know if/when it gets into the dangerous range for the rabbits. What I really want is a weather station. You know, one that can make my homestead journal look like I know what I'm doing!

You might think that I can just listen to the weather report and know what I need to know. But, alas, that only tells me what is happening an hour north or a half hour south of me. So, to know what is actually happening on my homestead, I'd need something like the Acu-Rite Wireless Weather Station with Wind and Rain Sensor. It is a bit fancy and might seem like overkill but, seriously, it measures temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, rainfall, and weather predictions. It's remote sensor has a rain catcher for heaven's sake! It also has alerts! So, no being surprised by the arrival of a severe storm.

Then, there is the AcuRite 00638A2 Wireless Weather Station with Wind Sensor sporting a really cool wind gauge! This one measures indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity with daily high/low information, heat index, wind speed/chill, multi-variable history chart, moon phase, atomic clock and calendar. The wireless outdoor sensor features 3 different technologies in one easy-to-mount unit: thermometer, hygrometer, wind speed anemometer. 

I've never thought of myself as a weather aficionado but truly, whether you are a prepper/survivalist concerned about being prepared for when TSHTF, or a permie trying to be aware of the weather conditions and how they may affect your homestead design plan, you need a weather station and these two seen to cover the bases.

Do you have a weather station? What does it measure? Do you keep a journal and actually log the weather readings for the day?