Use this quick checklist to reduce avoidable measurement errors. Ideal observing standards are useful targets, but a carefully chosen residential site can still provide useful local observations.
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Why sensor siting matters
Even the best home weather stations can be affected by hot pavement, blocked wind or rain-catching obstructions. Choose a location that represents the conditions you want to measure, and record unavoidable compromises.
Quick sensor siting checklist
- Start with your model’s manual. Separate sensors and combined arrays have different mounting requirements. Follow the specified orientation, mounting and cable limits.
- Temperature/humidity: For a separate sensor, aim for roughly 4–6 feet above representative grass or natural ground. Use a suitable ventilated radiation shield; shade alone is not a substitute. See NWS temperature siting guidance.
- Avoid artificial heat: Maximize separation from pavement, walls and exhaust vents. NWS cooperative-observer guidance specifies 100 feet from paved surfaces; this is an observing-program target, not a universal minimum for every backyard station.
- Wind: The standard reference height is 33 feet (10 metres), ideally with horizontal clearance of ten times nearby obstruction height. Where that is impractical, choose a safe, exposed location and document its limitations. See NWS-hosted CWOP guidance.
- Rain: Keep the collector level, clear of overhangs, and away from splash and sprinklers. The CoCoRaHS 2–5-foot recommendation concerns a separate manual gauge; follow your manufacturer’s instructions for a combined array.
- Sunlight: Give solar-radiation sensors an unobstructed view of the sky. Check seasonal shadows and your solar-powered station’s exposure requirements.
- Mount securely: Use a stable support, minimize vibration and allow safe access for cleaning and battery changes.
- Test reception first: Confirm communication with the display or hub before completing the installation.
- Record the site: Note mounting height and nearby buildings, trees and surfaces, especially when comparing readings with other stations.
- Recheck periodically: Look for growing vegetation, new obstructions, loose mounts and a collector that has moved out of level.
Combined sensors need a compromise
An all-in-one array cannot simultaneously meet every separate-sensor height target. Follow its manual instead of applying the wind standard to the entire unit. For example, Tempest recommends about 6–8 feet for typical installations, balancing its measurements. That is not a universal height for other models.
For broader mounting background, see our weather station installation guide. Use this checklist and your current model manual for sensor-specific siting targets.
Quick FAQs
Does imperfect siting make my station useless?
No. It changes what your readings represent. Record limitations rather than assuming equivalence with an unobstructed reference station.
Should temperature sensors be in shade?
Use proper radiation shielding and ventilation. Do not shade an entire array that needs sunlight or an open rain collector.
Must my wind sensor be 33 feet high?
That is the standard reference height, not a requirement to attempt an unsafe installation.
Can a rain collector go on a roof?
Roof turbulence and access can be problems. A suitable ground installation is generally preferable; check your model’s instructions rather than assuming every roof installation is prohibited.
Where should a solar-radiation sensor go?
Choose open sky with minimal shading, and follow its leveling and orientation instructions.