| A sensor-free or virtual home weather station is | | | | actually pulling information from commercial |
| becoming an attractive option for those with the | | | | instruments maintained by the service. Readings |
| climate bug. The two main choices are between a | | | | are updated every two minutes and include wind, |
| PC-based program or a standalone station | | | | rain, chance of rain, temperature and humidity. |
| receiving signals from a service. Both can be very | | | | NWS warnings are also carried on the network. |
| accurate when the readings are taken in close | | | | Proximity to the receiving instruments is key to |
| proximity to your home or within your | | | | the quality of options for home stations. If a |
| micro-climate. | | | | service maintains instruments nearby, the virtual |
| Having your own instruments does provide the | | | | station becomes almost identical to having your |
| most accurate readings for your location. | | | | own instruments. If a service has stations that |
| However, a wayward ball, frisky animal, or curious | | | | are far away or in a different micro-climate, |
| child can wreak havoc on outdoor equipment. | | | | readings can be very different from current |
| Time and the elements can do the same as | | | | conditions. |
| years go by. In addition, setting up a station and | | | | The deciding factor in opting for a virtual station is |
| sensors can be quite challenging for those who | | | | most often the proximity factor. Website |
| lack the time or mechanical skills. | | | | services tend to have an incredible number of |
| The advent of websites that link to local stations | | | | participating stations, to the point that a single |
| has created new opportunities for enthusiasts | | | | town may have multiple sites to choose from. |
| around the world. One only needs to point their | | | | Services to stations like MSN Direct are limited to |
| Internet browser toward a site like the Weather | | | | metropolitan areas and require more research. |
| Underground or WeatherBug, and they can view | | | | The thrill of tracking a storm in real time is |
| real time data from a station in the neighborhood. | | | | possible without the expense and care of your |
| Sites like these also provide historical readings and | | | | own sensors. Many who were once intimidated by |
| the ability to observe conditions in countless | | | | setting up their own home station have satisfied |
| regions. Subscriptions are free with an option of | | | | their passion by going virtual. The options now |
| paying for certain premium services. | | | | available for home weather stations leave much |
| By tapping into services like MSN Direct, | | | | room for personal preference, aptitude, and |
| standalone stations can provide current conditions | | | | enjoyment. |
| without any additional sensors. Stations are | | | | |