Standard Instruments

• Many instruments that are in common use today are developments from much earlier versions of the same tools. Thermometers measure temperature and usually contain expanding liquid. Barometers measure air pressure, which can be used to predict sunny or stormy weather. Rain gauges measure the amount of rainfall over time. Hydrometers assess the water content of the air, or humidity. Anemometers measure wind speed.
  
  

Weather Station

• A collection of standard instruments are commonly used in coordination with each other at a special building called a weather station. It is constructed in a location free of conditions that would interfere with accurate measurements, such as shade, forested areas or buildings, which could affect wind speed measurement. The instruments kept at a weather station are serviced regularly for accuracy.
  
  

Upper Atmosphere

• Weather kites and the more common weather balloons are tools used to collect meteorological measurements at up to 100km in altitude. The way both devices work is by carrying a radiosonde (measures temperature and humidity) or other measuring instrument to collect information during the ascent into the atmosphere. Kites are reeled in after sufficient data is collected and balloons eventually burst in the atmosphere and are lost. The information and device are tracked and recorded using radio technology.
  
  

Satellites and Rockets

• Rockets are designed specifically to carry meteorological instruments, such as pressure sensors, dust detectors (for detecting meteoric dust) and temperature sensors, on experimental missions. The actual equipment varies depending upon the specific experiment being conducted. Rockets are also used to place meteorological satellites in orbit. Satellites can be equipped to record images and measurements of air currents, cloud formations, temperatures and pollutant concentrations.