A Stevenson Screen is a protective house for weather instruments.
Its job is to make sure that the weather instruments get accurate readings by protecting them from direct sunlight, rain, and snow.
The screen is usually a white wooden box that is painted white:
What weather instruments are put inside
- Maximum Thermometer: To measure the highest temperature in a day
- Minimum Thermometer: To measure the lowest temperature in a day
- Hygrometer: To measure humidity levels in the air.
- Barometer: To measure atmospheric pressure.
How is a Stevenson screen is built
- It is made of wood with double-louvered sides for ventilation.
- It is painted white to reflect sunlight and prevent it heating up inside.
- It is place above the ground because the ground produces heat that can affect the readings on thermometers.
Where to place a Stevenson Screen
- A Stevenson screen should be place in an open area
- It must be away from buildings, tarmac and concrete surfaces because they produce heat and will affect temperature readings
- It must be away from trees because they can affect wind readings
