How to Measure Weather Using a Thermometer

by Heather Laurent

Overview

Thermometers measure the temperature of an environment. Temperature is used in general analyses of weather to indicate phenomena such as the arrival of a cold front or to record the temperature gradient at various altitudes as a measurement of the stability of the atmosphere, which is especially useful information for pilots. Measuring the temperature is an easy task and it only takes about five minutes.

Step 1

Bring your thermometer outside and place it in the shade in the area where you would like to measure the temperature. If you choose to hold your thermometer instead, be careful not to touch the bottom of the instrument or you will receive an inaccurate reading.
Step 2

Observe the rising or falling of the red liquid in the tube, which is either mercury or colored alcohol, depending on the type of thermometer you have. Warm temperatures will cause the liquid in the thermometer to expand and rise, while cold temperatures will cause the liquid to contract and fall.
Step 3

Wait five minutes before taking your reading. Record the number corresponding with the line nearest to the top of the liquid. This number indicates the current temperature in either degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius.

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Thermometer
Thermometer
Do not place your thermometer close to the edge of a surface or it could fall and break.
Do not place your thermometer close to the edge of a surface or it could fall and break.