Gauging the Rain: A Step-by-Step Guide

October 01, 2024

Rain Gauges make measuring rainfall simple, they are great for identifying local weather patterns, maintaining a healthy garden and allotment, make informed farming decisions, and precisely watering plants.

Setting up:

Choose a position in an open area such as a lawn or flower bed, make sure you position your rain gauge away from fences, building and trees. The gauge should be no closer than to tall objects than twice the height of that object. For example, if a tree is 10ft tall, the closest your rain gauge should be is 20ft away.
At ClimeMET we stock a range of rain gauges. For entry level manual rain gauges these come with its own mounting spike, pierce into the ground in your desired location. No further action is needed.
For rain gauges that require post mounting, ensure that you choose a suitable, stable and vertical post, again not hindered by tall obstructions such as large trees. Use the screws provided for your rain gauge and proceed to attach the rain gauge to your desired post.
For the digital rain gauge, use a CM5200 Rain Gauge Mounting Shelf. Where the installation guide provided with the shelf will tell you exactly how to mount your digital rain gauge to the specified shelf.

How to record:

After rainfall, remove the catchment funnel, and if your rain gauge has an internal measuring tube, lift the tube out from the gauge.
Hold the measuring tube or funnel vertically and at eye level to read your measurements from the side of the tube.
You can record your data using one of our rainfall measuring charts to keep track of annual rainfall in your area.
After gathering your data, you can empty your measuring tube or funnel.
Return the tube or funnel to the gauge, ready for your next measurement.

Maintenance:

Ensure you empty your rain gauge regularly or between measurements to ensure accurate results and prevent damage to your rain gauge.

As mentioned previously it is vital that your rain gauge is positioned in an area clear of any higher altitude rainfall obstructions, including trees, buildings and large plants.

The digital rain gauge monitoring console is for indoor use only, the console requires the CM7-PA Power Console to remain charged at all times.

FAQs:

What is a rain gauge?
A rain gauge is an instrument used to measure the amount of rainfall over a specific period of time. It is an essential tool in meteorology, and ideal for home usage.

Can a rain gauge measure snowfall?
A manual rain gauge can measure melted snow, but not the snowfall directly. You need to melt the collected snow and then measure the liquid equivalent.

How do I maintain my rain gauge?
Regularly clean the gauge to remove debris and prevent algae growth. Check for any damage or cracks, especially after storms. Ensure the gauge remains level and securely fixed to your desired post.

Why is measuring rainfall important?
Measuring rainfall is crucial for understanding weather patterns, agriculture, flood forecasting, and climate research. Accurate rainfall data helps in making informed decisions in these areas, for farmers, as well as individuals making decisions about their allotment an/or garden.