Although it is a very simple device, thermometers are essential tools in weather forecasting.
How a thermometer (for weather) works
A thermometer shows us the air temperature. Most thermometers work by using a substance that expands when heated and contracts when cooled, such as alcohol, mercury, or certain kinds of metal. Alcohol or mercury is placed in a thin tube, with marking alongside the tube. When heated, the alcohol or mercury goes up the tube as it expands. The markings beside the tube show us the temperature, usually in Celsius and Fahrenheit. Other thermometers use a metal spring attached to a pointer. When this metal expands or cools according to the amount of heat present in air, the pointer moves to the corresponding temperature.
Types of thermometers used in weather monitoring
As mentioned above, thermometers can be of the alcohol, mercury (collectively known as expansion thermometers), or spring type. Digital thermometers can also be used for weather monitoring. These thermometers use a device called a thermistor to measure temperature, and display the temperature on a screen. Infrared or laser thermometers, which measure the temperature by detecting radiation emitted by objects, although not commonly used in weather monitoring, can be employed to detect clouds.
Regardless of the type of thermometer used, measuring air temperature is an indispensable part of weather monitoring.
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