Winter is coming, so we can all start to expect cold fronts, morning frosts, cloud cover and dreary weather - even snow!

Whether you love or dread winter, there is one thing you can do to take the guesswork out of the oncoming weather patterns - a home weather station! Our scientists have compiled a list of the latest, most popular weather stations, all packed with impressive features you won't want to miss.

Home Weather Stations: What To Look For

Purchasing a weather station is very much a personal experience. There’s no “one size fits all” approach. Below is a list of five things to look out for in a station that might help make your weather station selection journey a breeze.

1. Parameters: The most commonly measured parameters by home weather stations are:
   
   • temperature
   • humidity
   • wind speed
   • wind direction; and
   • rainfall.
     More advanced stations measure and calculate additional parameters such as:
   • light levels
   • wind chill
   • dewpoint; and
   • heat index.
2. External Sensors: Some stations have outdoor multi-sensors, and some have several outdoor sensors which can be placed in different locations. Choose what suits your needs based on how you wish to position your sensor(s), accessibility and available space.
3. Console Interface: The indoor console is going to be sitting in your home, shed or garage. If it's in a high traffic area, will it fit in with the décor? If it is tucked away in the man-cave, functionality might take preference over aesthetics.
4. Data Accessibility: Are you after a straightforward station to console option, PC connectivity, or would you like to access your weather data from anywhere? Some stations have WiFi functionality; others direct PC connectivity.
5. Add-ons: Want the option to expand your weather stations functionality in the future? Then go for a station that allows for additional indoor or outdoor sensors or complete weather monitoring networks.

New and Popular Home Weather Stations at Instrument Choice

Digital Weather Station with Monochrome Display Product Code: IC-XC0432 The outdoor sensor on the IC-XC0432 comes completely assembled, so all you need to do is install the batteries, mount it on the included pole and start receiving your local weather data. Users can set customisable alerts and view minimum and maximum recorded data.\ Station Specifics Measures: Indoor/outdoor temperature, indoor/outdoor humidity, wind speed, wind direction, wind chill,  dew point, heat index, rain and barometric pressure Sensors: Outdoor multi-sensor Interface: LED-backlit LCD Data: Wireless station to LCD console only Add-ons: N/A.

C83100 Complete Personal WiFi Weather Station Product Code: IC-C83100 The four separate outdoor sensors, options for additional sensors and the WIFI connectivity make the IC-C83100 a fantastic option for any weather enthusiast wanting room to grow. Enjoy daily high and low-temperature records, dynamic forecast icons and customisable alerts. Station Specifics Measures: Indoor/outdoor temperature, indoor/outdoor humidity, wind speed, relative pressure, rainfall, and dew point. Sensors: Outdoor wireless temperature/humidity sensor, wind sensor, rain sensor, and bonus indoor temperature display Interface: Colour indoor console Data: Connects to WiFI and sends collected information to the LaCrosse app. Add-ons: Add a total of four additional temperature/humidity sensors or wind speed sensors.

5-in-1 WiFi Professional Weather Station with Weather Underground Product code: IC-WSX1001 The IC-WSX1001 allows you to see into the past and predict future weather events. The station measures key weather parameters, provides weather forecasts, has user-selectable high/low alerts and displays minimum/maximum records along with hourly records for the past 24 hours. Station Specifics Measures: Indoor/outdoor temperature, indoor/outdoor humidity, wind speed, rain rate, barometric pressure, dew point, wind chill and heat index Sensors: Outdoor multi-sensor Interface: Adjustable contrast colour LCD Data: Connects to WiFI. Weather data can be published to third party sites such as Weather Underground and Weathercloud. Add-ons: N/A.

7 Inch Colour WiFi Wireless Weather Station Product Code: IC0370 Dependable, functional, feature-rich and budget-friendly - an essential home weather station list would not be complete without the ever-popular IC0370.  What makes the IC0370 so popular? It’s the ability to measure all popular weather parameters and light levels, high/low records, alerts, forecasts and WIFI connectivity all packed into a budget-friendly station.  Station Specifics Measures: Indoor/outdoor temperature, indoor/outdoor humidity, barometric pressure, rainfall, wind speed, wind direction, wind chill, heat index, dew point and light levels. Sensors: Outdoor multi-sensor Interface: Colour LCD console Data: Connects to WiFi to allow data upload to Wunderground to view data from anywhere in the world Add-ons: N/A.

Vantage Vue Wireless Weather Station Product Code: IC6250AU  The one with the lot. The Davis Vantage Vue is a durable and accurate station recommended for both home and professional applications. Noteworthy features include; 22 configurable weather alarms, weather forecasting, 300m wireless range, and various add ons.  The extensive range of compatible add-ons and accessories takes the stations' capabilities, data acquisition, and data access to the next level. Station Specifics Measures: Indoor/outdoor temperature, indoor/outdoor humidity, barometric pressure, dew point, heat index, rainfall, rain rate, wind chill, wind direction and wind speed. Sensors: Outdoor multi-sensor Interface: Black and white backlit indoor console Data: Wireless station to LCD console only (add-ns available) Add-ons: There's a range of highly functional add-on options for unique applications. View the Davis Vantage Vue Weather Station Add-ons and Accessories here.

Conclusion

Stay warm, dry, on time and make the most of winter! A home weather station is a fantastic way to predict and track unpredictable winter weather.

View the complete range of weather stations here.

For more information on weather stations, speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist! Call 1300 737 871 or email customer-service@instrumentchoice.com.au.