The Watershed Institute in Hopewell Township hosts an advanced weather station managed by Rutgers University, offering continuous weather data crucial for environmental monitoring. This weather station, located on a tall tower, provides real-time weather updates, which can be accessed by the public through the New Jersey Weather Network.
Key Features of the Weather Station
- Anemometer: Positioned at the top of the tall tower, the anemometer measures wind speed and direction, contributing to valuable wind data throughout the year.
- Rain Gauge: Located next to the tower, the rain gauge measures precipitation in all forms. Equipped with a heater, it provides accurate year-round readings for both rain and the water equivalent of melted snow. Using a tipping bucket mechanism, it records every 0.1 inch of precipitation, ensuring precise data.
- Solar Power System: The station operates independently on solar power. Photovoltaic panels charge a battery housed in a durable carbon fiber box, supplying power to all sensors.
- Solar Radiation Sensors: Two solar sensors are mounted on the tower to record solar radiation, helping assess sunlight levels at the site.
- Ground Sensor: Measuring soil temperature and soil water content, this sensor provides insight into ground conditions, crucial for agricultural and ecological studies.
- Temperature and Humidity Sensor: This sensor records ambient temperature and humidity, providing a comprehensive view of the local climate.
Residents, researchers, and enthusiasts can view the station’s data, updated every five minutes, through the Data Viewer page for Hopewell Township here. Additional data formats, including historical and tabular data, are available on the New Jersey Weather Network website.
