1. Weather stations are a collection of two or more weather instruments in one self-contained unit. Most often, they include a thermometer and a hygrometer.
2. Hygrometers measure relative humidity, or the vapor content in the surrounding air. These weather instruments can have three kinds of sensing mechanisms: hair (hair hygrometer), carbon-coated plating (electrical hygrometer), and an infrared sensor (infrared hygrometer).
3. Many weather stations also include a barometric weather instrument. Barometers read the current barometric pressure. Rising pressure is a sign of clearing skies, and falling pressure is a sign of gathering clouds.
4. Many weather stations are decorative, and are inlaid into wood with attractive bezels, frames, and other embellishments. Often, a seafaring or aviation theme is expressed.
5. Digital weather stations can deliver many more pieces of information. Moon phases, high and low tide, wind direction and speed, an altimeter function, and more can be found on some units.
