How do weather stations measure temperature outside?
From NCERTAsked by Anonymous from Seattle, United States24 Oct 2026, 6:02 AM ISTUpdated
In one line
Weather stations measure outside temperature using a thermometer placed in a special shelter to get accurate readings.
Stevenson screen — Enclosure for meteorological devices A Stevenson screen at a weather station, used to shelter thermometers for accurate temperature readings. Image: Wikipedia
The rule
Temperature measurement is the process of determining how hot or cold an object is. It is measured using instruments like thermometers, which can show temperature in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Let's understand it simply
Imagine you want to know how hot it is outside before playing cricket. You can’t just touch the air, right? Weather stations use a tool called a thermometer (a device that shows how hot or cold something is). But to get the true outside temperature, they must protect the thermometer from direct sunlight, rain, and wind. So, they put it inside a small box with holes called a Stevenson screen (a white box that lets air in but keeps sun and rain out). This way, the thermometer measures the air temperature, not the heat from the sun or the ground.
How it works
The weather station puts a thermometer inside a Stevenson screen, usually about 1.25 meters above the ground.
The screen is painted white to reflect sunlight and has slats (gaps) for air to flow in.
The thermometer inside measures the temperature of the air, not the box or the ground.
The reading is taken at regular times, often every hour.
The data is sent to computers for weather reports and forecasts.
How a weather station measures temperature
Place thermometer in Stevenson screen
Screen is white and slatted for airflow
Thermometer measures air temperature, not sun or ground
Read temperature at set times
Send data for weather reports
The story behind it
People have measured temperature for hundreds of years. The modern thermometer was improved by scientists like Daniel Fahrenheit and Anders Celsius in the 1700s. The Stevenson screen was invented by Thomas Stevenson, a Scottish engineer, in the 1800s to make temperature readings more accurate and fair everywhere.
Where you see it in real life
At your local weather station: The white box on a pole in the open field is the Stevenson screen.
On TV weather reports: When they say "today’s temperature is 32°C," it comes from these instruments.
In airports: Pilots need to know the air temperature before flying.
In cricket stadiums: To check if it’s safe to play in extreme heat.
On school science trips: You may visit a weather station and see the thermometer and screen.
Why it matters
Accurate temperature helps farmers decide when to plant or harvest crops.
It warns people about heatwaves or cold spells, keeping everyone safe.
It helps doctors give advice during very hot or cold days.
It is used in weather forecasts, which affect travel, sports, and daily plans.
Common mistakes
Thinking the thermometer should be in direct sunlight. (It must be in shade, or it will show a higher temperature than the real air temperature.)
Believing the ground temperature is the same as air temperature. (The ground can be much hotter or colder.)
Using a kitchen thermometer outside. (It is not made for air temperature and may give wrong readings.)
Remember it
Weather stations use a shaded box with a thermometer to measure the real air temperature, not the sun’s heat.
Check yourself
Why is the thermometer kept in a white box with holes at a weather station?
To protect it from direct sunlight and rain, so it measures only the air temperature.
What would happen if you put the thermometer in direct sunlight?
It would show a higher temperature than the real air temperature, giving a wrong reading.
Name the special box used to shelter thermometers at weather stations.
It is called a Stevenson screen.
Quick recap
Weather stations use thermometers to measure air temperature.
Thermometers are kept in Stevenson screens to avoid sun and rain.
The screen is white and has slats for airflow.
Temperature readings are taken at regular times.
Accurate temperature helps in weather forecasting and safety.
