There are numerous meteorological instruments that are used to measure the different meteorological variables. One of them, widely used since ancient times, is the vane. It is a meteorological instrument that is used to measure the direction of the wind. Here in Spain we have prevailing winds, but to know the direction of the wind and to be able to identify which one we have the weather vane.
Do you want to know more about the weather vane? Here we teach you everything about its characteristics and usefulness.
Key features
It is an instrument used to measure the direction of the wind. It is placed at the top of buildings or high places so that it can benefit from wind currents without any obstacle. Since it is placed at the top of a building, different models and designs are made as it serves as an architectural ornament. The most traditional design is that of a rooster.
It is a device that rotates depending on the speed and direction of the wind. It has a horizontal cross that indicates the cardinal points. You can also find other weather vane designs such as ships, arrows, horses or even figures of people. There are many weather vanes that are considered true works of art due to their sophisticated design and minimal detail.
It has been used for a long time by the simplicity you have when interpreting your data. It does not really provide information about the strength or intensity of the wind, but at least we can know its direction to identify it among the prevailing Spanish winds.
To know the strength of the wind, an anemometer is incorporated into the wind vane that is used to measure the intensity of the wind and thus the measuring device is complete.
Wind vane operation
The operation of this meteorological instrument is quite simple. It has a pivoting axis and a wind direction indicator. This flag is positioned on the axle and distributes its weight in a balanced way. The design, whatever it is, must have a pointer or indicator in the part that offers the least resistance to the wind to serve as an indicator of the wind direction.
With all this it is achieved that, when the wind blows, the vane puts the part of the marker that puts the least resistance to the air in the predominant part of the wind direction. Usually lThe wind direction is the same as the wind vane is pointing. This certainty is because the wind directions are specified through the compass. A weather vane that is facing north will be indicating that the wind is heading north.
Although it is thought that it does not have much impact, the location of the weather vane is totally decisive when taking the data. If we want the vane reading to be reliable and correct, we have to place it as high off the ground as possible. This is because, at lower heights, you can run into numerous obstacles. For example, the height of other buildings can act as a wall or screen and weaken the wind or change its direction. The weather vane must be located away from buildings, trees or other obstacles that could modify the data of its reading. These obstacles are capable of making the readings not adequate and there are deviations in the air currents.
A badly placed weather vane can lead to wrong forecasts, as the wind direction can make the forecast very different in the short term.
Wind vane types
Depending on the design of each one, there are numerous types of weather vane and each one has different characteristics. We are going to analyze each of them and mention their main characteristics.
- Wind vanes. This model is yellow in color and is shaped like an airplane. It is used to place it on roofs and gardens. The finishes are made of good quality plastic, which is why it is used to withstand the most adverse weather conditions. It is perfect for indicating wind speed.
- Roof weather vane. This type of weather vane is suitable for all types of roofs, as it has a steel finish. It has all the cardinal points and is made with some polyamide finishes. This material has great hardness and does not break or deteriorate over time.
- Old weather vanes. If you are one of the traditional ones who like to recreate the old, this is your model. It has iron finishes and measures the wind speed very well. It can combine very well with vintage-style decoration and its finishes imitate the old style of the weather vanes. It has a material that resists wear well.
- Forge weather vane. This option comes in handy for gardens or balconies. It has a stork finish that represents the classic animal on rooftops. Its color is black and it resists very well all adverse weather conditions thanks to the quality material with which it is built.
- Original weather vanes. Of course, the style of each one prevails over the others. They are built with 3 millimeter thick steel. The piece has a coating of the material and all the pieces with polyamide. Therefore, it becomes an unbreakable meteorological instrument.
How to measure the wind
It's great to have a weather vane on our roof, but it will be of little use if we don't know how to measure the wind. The direction of the wind is that in which it blows and is measured in degrees. Degrees are counted from geographic north and in a clockwise direction.
Together with the anemometer, you will be able to know the speed and intensity at which the wind is blowing. The weather vane is the one that will indicate the direction of the wind depending on where it is moving. This is how you know "where the wind comes from." In this way, you will feel like the ancient people who used the weather vanes to know the direction of the wind.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the vanes and their operation.