How to Make a Rain Gauge
How much rain did that big storm drop? Make your own rain gauge and you'll always know the answer to this important weather question.
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You Will Need
- Ruler
- Clear, waterproof tape
- Straight-sided glass jar
- Glue
- Wood block
- Rainy day
Steps
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Step 1
Attach ruler
Attach a ruler to the inside of the glass jar using clear, waterproof tape. Make sure the ruler touches the jar bottom.
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Break the ruler in half to better fit inside the jar.
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Step 2
Glue to wood
Glue the jar to a block of wood to create stability in strong winds. Make sure the wood block is heavy enough to stand up to tumultuous weather.
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Step 3
Place in open area
Place the jar in an open area when the weather forecast calls for precipitation.
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Avoid placing the rain gauge beneath trees, next to your home, or other structures.
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Step 4
Measure the rainfall
Measure the rainfall as soon as possible after a rain to avoid loss from evaporation. Calculate the measurement to the nearest tenth of an inch.
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Step 5
Record rainfall
Record rainfall measurements from your rain gauge for a period of months to track precipitation and compare months and seasons. Now, use your data to your advantage and plan the best time for your favorite outdoor activities.
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As of 2008, Las Vegas was the driest major U.S. city, receiving 4.49 inches of rain annually.
