Surface weather observation

When you look outside and you see the sun, the clouds, or the rain, you are doing a type of weather observation! Surface weather observation is a more grown-up way of looking at the weather.

Scientists who study the weather use special tools to help them observe and record what is happening on the Earth's surface. They use things like thermometers to measure the temperature, barometers to measure air pressure, and anemometers to measure the wind speed. They may also use rain gauges to measure how much rain has fallen, and hygrometers to measure the humidity or moisture in the air.

To get all of this information, scientists need to place these tools in a special spot called a weather station. This station can be at an airport, a weather office, or even in someone's backyard. Once all of the information is collected, scientists can create a weather report that tells people what the weather is like in that area.

All of this information is very important because it can help people prepare for things like storms or extreme weather conditions. It can also help scientists study the climate and how it is changing over time. So the next time you look outside and see the sun shining or the rain pouring down, know that there are scientists observing and recording all of that information to help keep us safe and informed!