Find products for Weather Forecast and Weather Observations (2024)

A weather station is an all-in-one device that measures and displays meteorological variables using various measuring instruments. Classically, a weather station consists of at least one Thermometer for temperature measurement, oneBarometer for measuring the air pressure and oneHygrometer for the measurement of air humidity.

How is the weather like today or how it will be like tomorrow or in the next few days? With TFA weather stations you can find out the answers yourself! Would you like to find out more about weather stations? We introduce you to the types of weather stations available. We also explain how a weather station works and how to install and set up the device correctly.

Would you like to buy a TFA weather station? Go to our Online retailers section to find out where you can buy it.

All models of: Weather stations

What types of weather stations are there?

When you purchase a weather station, you can choose between different types that have different features and functions:

• Wireless weather stations
• Wi-Fi weather stations
• Satellite-based weather stations
• Analogue weather stations
• Digital weather stations

Wireless weather stations

The wireless weather stations consists of

• a base station and
• at least one transmitter

Base station of the wireless weather station

The base station, also called main station, measures indoor data such as air pressure, temperature, and humidity with integrated electronic sensors. The weather forecast is shown with a symbol on the display. The calculation by the device is based on the changes in air pressure measured by the integrated electronic barometer. Depending on the model, it also shows the air pressure values, and you can observe the time course on a bar chart.

Outdoor values are determined by wireless transmitters that are set up outdoors. The data transmission from the outdoor transmitter to the main station is done by radio. The measured values of the transmitters are shown on the display of the main station.

Digital devices often offer additional information and functions: The storage of maximum and minimum values, trend indication and the setting of alarms, for example for frost. An integrated radio-controlled clock provides a highly accurate time on the display, often with display of date, weekday and a wake-up alarm.

Wireless transmitter

There are different types of wireless transmitters. In the basic model, the radio transmitter is equipped with a temperature sensor for measuring the outside temperature, often in combination with a humidity sensor. Many wireless weather stations can be connected to several transmitters. This function can then be used to monitor the temperature and humidity in other rooms in addition to the installation location. Some models are supplied with several transmitters.

Professional or complete weather stations also have a wind transmitter for measuring wind speed and wind direction, and a rain gauge to determine precipitation quantities.

Advantages and disadvantages of the wireless weather station

TFA wireless weather stations

Wireless weather stations

Wi-Fi weather stations

Would you like to receive accurate and up-to-date information on weather conditions from professional meteorologists in addition to your own local measurements? And would you like to be able to access the data easily via your smartphone or tablet while on the move? Then a Wi-Fi weather station is the right weather station for you.

The Wi-Fi weather stations consist of

• a base station and
• usually one or more transmitters and
• an app.

Base station of the Wi-Fi weather station

The base station clearly shows a lot of data about the current and future weather situation and the indoor climate on the high-resolution colour LCD display. If the base station is connected to the Internet, this information is supplemented by current weather data from an online weather service.

Wi-Fi weather station: Transmitter and indoor sensors

The outdoor transmitters measure temperature, humidity and wind, depending on the model. The data is transmitted by the wireless outdoor sensor to the base station. The sensors integrated in the base station measure the temperature and humidity in the room and – depending on the model – the barometric pressure.

App for the Wi-Fi weather station

With the app you can easily receive the data from your weather station on your smartphone or tablet. The weather and indoor climate information is clearly presented in the app. The app gives you mobile access from your Apple or Android device to the measured values of the weather station and informs you by push notification if the alarm limits are reached.

Advantages and disadvantages of weather stations with activated internet connection

TFA Wi-Fi weather stations

From the beginning of 2021 the following Wi-Fi weather stations will be available from TFA:

Wi-Fi weather stations

Satellite-based weather stations from TFA

More accurate forecasts over several days are provided by satellite-based weather stations with the WEATHERDirect technology. Like wireless weather stations, there is a base station and a transmitter for outdoor use.

Here the data comes from professional meteorologists who can take all weather-determining interrelationships into account. The weather data is transmitted to the device several times a day by satellite via a special radio network that only works in Germany. The reception of the data is free of charge.

Advantages and disadvantages of satellite-based weather stations

Satellite-based weather stations from TFA

WETTERdirekt

Analogue weather stations

An analogue weather stations usually contains the following components in one device:

• Thermometer
• Barometer
• Hygrometer

The weather forecast must be based on the change in air pressure itself.

TFA Dostmann’s classic weather stations with analogue mode of operation are manufactured in-house, at our TFA factory in Wertheim. The so-called aneroid barometer measures the air pressure. The accuracy of the TFA’s patented Domatic movement is +/- 3 hPa. The current measured value must be marked with a reference pointer to be able to read off changes to later measurements. For barometric pressure measurement, it doesn’t matter if the barometer is located indoors or outdoors.

Advantages and disadvantages of analogue weather stations

Analogue weather stations of TFA

Analogue weather stations

Digital weather stations

The digital weather stations ((without radio transmitter) only measures the indoor temperature and humidity with electronic sensors. A symbol indicates the weather forecast. Whether sun, clouds or raindrops are displayed, the simple digital weather stations usually calculated based on changes in humidity.

How does a weather station work?

“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”, says the proverb. In order to choose the right of clothing for the weather, it would help if you could check the weather report on the radio or TV, or even better, on your own weather station.

What functions does a weather station have?

The weather station combines the main meteorological instruments thermometer, barometer and hygrometer. It provides information about the current weather conditions, depending on the model indoor and/or outdoor, and enables future weather forecasts. Digital devices often provide additional information such as the time, date, sunrise and sunset or allow alarms to be triggered, e.g. in case of risk of frost or with an integrated alarm clock.

Since weather stations have many different functions and take different measured values into account, it is worthwhile to make a detailed comparison before deciding on what to buy.

Weather station collects weather data

A weather station has an integrated thermometer, that measures the temperature in degrees Celsius. For analogue weather stations, TFA uses mostly bimetallic thermometers and a pointer indicates the temperature. Only the classic, curved Sheraton models incorporate capillary thermometers.

The hygrometer, measures to what percentage the air is saturated with humidity. This value is “relative” because the air can absorb different amounts of moisture depending on the temperature. The analogue hygrometers from TFA Dostmann are available as bimetallic and synthetic hair hygrometers

Weather stations with wireless transmitter

Wireless weather stations include at least one outdoor sensor. The wireless transmitter is equipped with a temperature sensor to measure the outside temperature and, depending on the model, also with a humidity sensor. The outdoor sensor transmits the weather information to the base station.

Weather station with wind sensor and rain gauge

Do you also want to measure wind or the amount of rainfall? Depending on the model, professional wireless weather stations measure additional weather data such as wind speed, rainfall and wind direction. This is helpful for (hobby) meteorologists who would like to make extensive weather observations and weather recordings.

Weather station with app

Make your home smarter with a weather station with app. In addition to the Wi-Fi weather station, the weather station set WEATHERHUB displays all weather information on the smartphone via an app. This allows you to check all climate data around the house even when you are on the move. The Weatherhub system has been tested by the Selbsermacherblog. In the test you will learn a lot of information about the station. You can also read more about the WEATHERHUB test there.

The gateway of the WEATHERHUB weather station is connected to the Internet via LAN cable. With the Wi-Fi weather station, the transmission of weather and indoor climate data works via the wireless network. Retrieve your data from anywhere via app and turn your flat or house into a smart home.

Weather station with moon phase

Some models of TFA Dostmann show the moon phases. Do you do gardening after the moon? Then these data are helpful. But information about the moon phases is also relevant for home or beauty care.

Weather station with colour display

Weather stations with colour displays are becoming more and more popular and technically sophisticated. Have the weather data displayed with coloured details in your favourite colour. The display of the devices offers a better visibility due to the permanent illumination, especially in bad light conditions. The COLOR SHARP display technology is particularly rich in contrast and colour. You can choose between an automatic colour change or a fixed colour to suit your individual needs.

The “Colour Sharp” display shows colours with 600 shades and can be set in three different brightness levels. If you like this technology, just look for this symbol on the device before making a purchase:

This innovative technology makes reading the weather forecast a true colour experience.

Weather stations with weather boy or weather girl

Poodle cap, umbrella or swimming trunks? At the following stations, weather boy or girl will show you the right clothing recommendation for the current outside temperature. The value required for this is determined on site using their own wireless transmitter.

Weather forecasts of the weather station

Weather stations allow weather forecasting. For digital and wireless weather stations, this is produced by the station itself based on changes in air pressure. For satellite-based models, the forecast is calculated by professional meteorologists based on all available weather data and it is transmitted via a satellite-based radio network. With analogue weather stations, you can determine the future weather trend yourself based on the measured air pressure values over time.

The barometer is the instrument responsible for the weather forecast. It measures the air pressure in hecto-Pascals (hPa). The air pressure corresponds to the weight of the surrounding layers of air and it depends on the weather conditions and the altitude. At higher altitudes, it is lower; starting from the sea level, it decreases by 1 hPa every 8 meters. For this reason, a barometer must always be adjusted to the reference air pressure at your location first, and this information can be obtained by checking your local weather service provider.

The different weight of cold and warm air currents causes a change in air pressure. Observing the air pressure fluctuations makes it possible to forecast the weather.

A slight increase in air pressure will usually result in nice weather, whilst rapid increase usually means good weather for a short time. In comparison, a slight drop in air pressure is often followed by a bad weather front, whilst a sudden drop indicates thunderstorms and storms.

Observing the humidity outside also gives you information about the weather development. Usually an increase in humidity results in worse weather, whilst decreasing humidity usually means better weather.

Using weather stations indoors

If your weather station is used indoors, you can monitor the indoor temperature and humidity and thus the indoor climate. The barometer can still be used to monitor the weather, as the air pressure is the same inside and outside.

Whether we feel well and comfortable at home depends to a great extent on the quality of the indoor air. Too humid indoor air (> 65%) promotes the formation of mould. But an overly dry indoor climate can be damaging to your health, especially the skin and the respiratory system.

If you use your weather station inside your house and regulate the temperature and humidity inside rooms by targeted heating and ventilation, you will create a pleasant and healthy living environment and can even save on heating costs.

Where is the weather station best placed?

If your analogue weather station is suitable for outdoor use, choose a shady place protected from the rain. To measure the outdoor temperature correctly, avoid direct sunlight.

This also applies when choosing a location for your outdoor sensor for wireless weather stations, which you use to measure the temperature and possibly humidity of the outdoor air. Ensure stable radio transmission to the indoor base unit.
The ideal location for indoor weather stations should be in a well ventilated area. Avoid the vicinity to heat sources such as stoves or radiators. Direct sunlight should also be avoided here.

Frequently asked questions about weather stations