TEMPLE, Texas — In this Weather Impact 101, we are talking temperatures.
The temperature outside lets us know how to plan our day. Will it be warm & pleasant or will it be a cold one? Do we need a jacket to protect us from the cold or short sleeves to relieve us from the heat? We talk about temperatures every day, but do you know how meteorologists measure air temperature?
If you answered with a thermometer then you are correct!
The difference comes in the location of the thermometer. Typically, people place a standard thermometer outside their house to measure the air temperature. The thermometers are in direct sunlight on the side of a dark building that adsorbs heat.
Meteorologists use what is known as a "Stevenson Box." It’s typically 4 to 5 feet off the ground in an open field. The box is painted white to help reduce heat absorption and the thermometer is always shaded. So this slight difference may result in a 5 to 10° temperature difference. Keep that in mind as you position your thermometer to get the best temperature reading!
