How the Technology We Use to Measure Weather Has Evolved

In the past, weather was measured without any technology at all. Does it smell like rain? Did the air turn colder to signify a change in the weather? Do we feel drops? That sort of weather measurement was the only form of weather measurement for hundreds of years. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1400s-1700s that technology made leaps forward when it came to how we gathered data about weather. That’s when tools like the barometer, the hygrometer, the thermometer, and even the rain gauge (to name a few), were all invented.

Indeed, technology has made great leaps forward to change how we measure extreme weather situations. It began with the advent of the telegraph system in the mid-1800s. Suddenly, meteorologists could track weather at a variety of stations from all over the place. They were no longer tied to one area. Once radio and TV entered the picture, the weather of the world was accessible in a whole new way.

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Today’s technology is faster, smarter, and better than ever. Radar and satellites have become more powerful, producing much more than the original grainy black and white images. Doppler radar allows for users to see rotations inside of a thunderstorm before disaster strikes.

Dual polarization has enabled users to detect the shape of particles. Knowing whether precipitation will fall as rain or hail lets residents know how to prepare for the worst. This same technology helps to monitor blizzards and hurricanes. Precipitation rates become more accurate, thereby allowing accurate flood predictions.

Extreme Weather Warnings
Researchers are still working on improving radar systems so that those potentially facing a tornado could receive an hour’s warning, instead of mere minutes. It’s the difference between life and death. In the late 1980s, folks received a mere three minute warning that mostly appeared as a radio alert or a flash on a TV screen. Now? There’s up to fourteen minutes of warning, so people can get to a safe place before a tornado strikes.

The way people currently receive warnings is much more efficient and much faster. Smartphone users receive instant alerts while landlines might pick up an automated call from the sheriff’s office.

Weather may be unpredictable, but the changes in technology will help forecasters to better predict what’s on the horizon. Stay on top of the latest weather with a mobile app, and then install PSafe PowerPRO. When extreme weather hits, your smartphone battery will be ready when you need it the most.