How Rain Gauge works and how the measurement is interpreted

Rainfall is measured using a device called a rain gauge. Here’s how it works and how the measurement is interpreted:

1. Rain Gauge:

• A rain gauge is a simple instrument that consists of a cylindrical container with a funnel at the top to catch rainwater. The container has markings in millimeters (mm) or inches to measure the amount of rainfall.

2. Measurement Process:

• When it rains, the water is collected in the rain gauge. The depth of the water collected in the container is measured in millimeters (mm). This measurement represents the amount of rain that has fallen over a certain area.

3. Understanding the Measurement:

• Millimeters (mm): Rainfall is typically measured in millimeters. For example, if a rain gauge collects 10 mm of rain, this means that 10 millimeters of rain has fallen in that area.
• Interpretation:
  • 1 mm of rain means that if the rain was spread evenly over a flat surface, it would create a layer of water 1 millimeter deep.
  • 10 mm of rain is considered light to moderate rain.
  • 20 mm or more in a short period can be considered heavy rain.

4. Units of Measurement:

• The most common unit for measuring rainfall is millimeters (mm).
• In some countries, rainfall is also measured in inches, where 1 inch of rain is equivalent to 25.4 mm.

5. Data Usage:

• Rainfall data collected by rain gauges is used for weather forecasting, agricultural planning, water resource management, and understanding climate patterns.

Rainfall measurement is crucial for various sectors, including agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management, helping to predict and manage the impact of rain on different regions.

• We have an automatic weather station (AWS) in Tattamangalam.
• Live data of this station is available here – Live Weather station data from Tattamangalam, Palakkad, Kerala
• Also checkout the weather section of this website
• Automatic Weather Station used.