The inaccuracy that the manufacturer permits when the unit is calibrated in the factory.

In nautical terminology, a contraction for "weather glass" (a mercury barometer).

For a given locality and month, an empirical expression devised for the purpose of classifying climates numerically on the basis of precipitation and evaporation.

A polariscope consisting of a specially constructed double plate polarizer and a tourmaline plate analyzer. Polarized light passing through the instrument is indicated by the presence of parallel colored fringes, while unpolarized light results in a unifo ...

Contraction for radiosonde observation.

A device which surrounds a rain gauge and acts to maintain horizontal flow in the vicinity of the funnel so that the catch will not be influenced by eddies generated near the gauge. See Alter shield, Nipher shield, Wild fence.

Area of a computer or other device where various logic and control elements are interconnected. Often a printed circuit board into which other circuit boards plug at right angles.

Same as fogbow.

Contraction for pilot balloon observation.

The level at which ice crystals and snowflakes melt as they descend through the atmosphere.

Same as atmometer.

Apparatus in which radar techniques are used to determine the range, elevation, and azimuth of a balloonborne target, to computer upper-air wind data. It is a type of rawin system.

The most common of the principal rainbow phenomena, which appears as an arc of about 42

A conically shaped, copper rain gauge shield.

An area of low barometric pressure, with its attendant system of winds. Also called a depression or cyclone.

The maximum positive and negative deviation observed in testing a device under specified conditions and by a specified procedure. It is usually measured as an inaccuracy and expressed as accuracy, typically in terms of the measured variable, percent of sp ...

In general, pertaining to or affording an overall view. In meteorology, this term has become somewhat specialized in referring to the use of meteorological data obtained simultaneously over a wide area for the purpose of obtaining a comprehensive and near ...

Winds which, over a small area, differ from those which would be appropriate to the general pressure distribution.

Readily taking up and retaining moisture.

A hygrometer which uses a transducing element whose electrical properties are a function of atmospheric water vapor content. The humidity strip and carbon-film hygrometer element are examples of such a transducer.