Introduction To the Weatherflow Tempest Weather System
The Weatherflow Tempest Weather System, an innovative and advanced piece of technology, has revolutionized the way we monitor local weather conditions, offering state-of-the-art features that promise to enhance our understanding and prediction of the weather.
The device’s modern design combines all sensors into a single unit, thus eliminating the need for separate devices, as in the earlier Weatherflow Sky-Air. This not only simplifies the weather station installation process but also ensures a high level of data accuracy as all measurements come from the same location.
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One of the key aspects of the Tempest that sets it apart from other weather stations is its bang for the buck. In addition to providing a comprehensive range of weather data, the system is priced competitively, making it an accessible option for many individuals.
Furthermore, its sleek design and advanced technology offer a level of sophistication that appeals to those who enjoy having the latest cool gadgets.
The Tempest’s installation process is intuitive and straightforward, requiring minimal technical expertise. This user-friendly approach extends to its operation, with the system conveniently providing real-time weather data directly to your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The system’s data accuracy is impressive, with its integrated sensors capable of providing precise readings of various weather parameters.
The Weatherflow Tempest also excels in its weather prediction capabilities. Using machine learning algorithms, the Tempest analyzes past weather patterns and current data to generate accurate forecasts. This predictive power is especially beneficial for planning outdoor activities or understanding local climate trends.
All these factors contribute to making the Tempest a highly valuable asset for anyone interested in weather monitoring and prediction.
Key Takeaways
– The Weatherflow Tempest Weather System is a high-tech and technologically advanced weather station.
– The system provides real-time weather data and accurate weather forecasting.
– The Tempest is easy to install and use, with a user-friendly setup process.
– Weatherflow has an excellent help desk.
The device offers integration with smart home platforms and provides customizable alerts.
Setting up the Weatherflow Tempest
Installation of this solar-powered, wireless device represents a significant advantage over traditional weather stations, with a surprising 80% of users reporting a setup time of less than 10 minutes.
The Weatherflow Tempest offers a range of mounting options, including the ability to attach the device to a pole, a tripod, or a flat surface with the provided bracket. The device can also be installed using personal mounting hardware, providing flexibility for users desiring freedom in their installation preferences.
The installation process is further facilitated by the companion mobile app, which provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the setup process. After scanning the QR code on the Tempest device, users are guided to name and geolocate the device, adjust the elevation and time zone settings, and finally, establish the device’s orientation using the app’s in-built compass and level.
Installation challenges presented by other weather stations are eliminated by the Tempest’s user-friendly design. However, users must be mindful of choosing a weather station mounting location that is exposed to direct sunlight, free from obstructions, representative of local weather conditions, secure, and within range of their Wi-Fi network.
The mobile app setup also guides users through the process of connecting the Tempest to their Wi-Fi network, enabling the device to send data to the Weatherflow servers. The Weatherflow Tempest also integrates with Weather Underground. This connectivity feature, coupled with the sensor calibration ensured by the app, allows users to access and customize accurate weather data, alerts, and notifications.
Exploring the Features of the Weatherflow Tempest
The Weatherflow Tempest is more than just a weather station. It is a smart device that can measure various weather parameters and provide you with real-time data and alerts on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. The Tempest can also integrate with various smart home platforms and devices, allowing you to automate and control some elements of your home environment based on weather conditions.
Temperature and Humidity
The Tempest measures the temperature and humidity using a digital sensor that is located inside the device. The sensor is protected by a radiation shield that reduces the effects of solar heating and wind chill on the readings. The sensor has a range of -40°F to 140°F for temperature and 0% to 100% for humidity. The sensor has an accuracy of ±1°F for temperature and ±3% for humidity.
The temperature and humidity readings are displayed on the app and web interface in various formats, such as current, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly averages, highs, lows, trends, graphs, etc. You can also view the heat index, dew point, and wet bulb temperature, which are calculated based on the temperature and humidity readings. You can also set custom alerts for temperature and humidity levels that interest you, such as frost, heat wave, or mold risk.
The temperature and humidity readings are comparable to other weather stations in terms of accuracy and consistency. However, some users have reported that the Tempest tends to read slightly higher than other stations, especially in humid or cloudy conditions.
Weatherflow is aware of this issue and is working on improving the calibration and correction algorithms for the Tempest. Firmware updates are pushed out as needed.
The temperature and humidity readings can also be used to trigger smart home actions through platforms, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, SmartThings, HomeKit, etc. For example, you can use Tempest’s data to adjust your thermostat, fan, humidifier, dehumidifier, etc. based on your comfort and health preferences.
Wind Speed and Direction
The Tempest measures the wind speed and direction using a sonic anemometer that is located on top of the device. The anemometer uses four ultrasonic transducers that emit and receive sound waves in different directions. By measuring the time it takes for the sound waves to travel between the transducers, the anemometer can calculate the wind speed and direction based on the Doppler effect.
The anemometer has a range of 0 to 125 mph for wind speed and 0° to 360° for wind direction. The anemometer has an accuracy of ±1 mph or ±5% (whichever is greater) for wind speed and ±5° for wind direction.
The wind speed and direction readings are displayed on the Weatherflow app and web interface in several selectable formats, such as current, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly averages, highs, lows, trends, graphs, etc. You can also view the wind gusts, lulls, cardinal directions, etc. You can also set custom alerts for wind speed and direction levels that interest you, such as storm warnings or favorable sailing conditions.
The wind speed and direction readings are more accurate and reliable than most other weather stations that use mechanical anemometers that rely on spinning cups or propellers. The sonic anemometer does not have any moving parts that can wear out or get stuck by dirt or debris.
The sonic anemometer also responds faster to changes in wind speed and direction than mechanical anemometers. However, some users have reported that the Tempest tends to read slightly lower than other stations in very light winds, less than 0.7MPH, or very strong winds. This could be due to interference from ambient noise or turbulence from nearby objects.
Weatherflow is always improving its algorithms through feedback from the network of Tempest weather stations and is constantly improving the calibration and correction algorithms for the Tempest.
The wind speed and direction readings can also be used to trigger smart home actions through various platforms and devices. For example, you can use the Tempest’s data to control your smart blinds or shades based on the wind direction or intensity.
Rainfall
The Weatherflow Tempest rain sensor is the most innovative and controversial.
The Tempest measures rainfall using a haptic rain sensor that is located on top of the device. The rain sensor uses a piezoelectric element that vibrates when raindrops hit it. By measuring the frequency and amplitude of these vibrations, the rain sensor can calculate the rainfall intensity and duration based on a proprietary algorithm.
The rain sensor has a range of 0 to 8 inches/hour for rainfall intensity and 0 to 393 inches for rainfall accumulation. The rain sensor has an accuracy of ±10% or ±0.01 in/h (whichever is greater) for rainfall intensity and ±1% or ±0.04 in (whichever is greater) for rainfall accumulation.
The rainfall readings are displayed in your choice of formats, such as current, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly totals, rates, trends, graphs, etc. You can also view the rain start and stop times, the rain type (drizzle, light, moderate, heavy, etc.), and the rain check feature that corrects the readings based on official or nearby sources. You can also set custom alerts for rainfall levels that interest you, such as flood warnings or watering needs.
The rainfall readings are different from other weather stations that use tipping-bucket rain gauges that rely on a mechanical mechanism that tips when a certain amount of rain is collected.
The haptic rain sensor does not have any moving parts that can get clogged or jammed by dirt or debris. The haptic rain sensor also responds faster to changes in rainfall intensity and duration than tipping-bucket rain gauges.
However, some users have reported that the Tempest tends to read higher or lower than other stations depending on the raindrop size, shape, and angle. This could be due to the sensitivity and calibration of the piezoelectric element and the algorithm used to convert the vibrations into rainfall measurements. Again, as time goes by, this issue is getting better.
The rainfall readings can also be used to trigger smart home actions like controlling your smart sprinklers or irrigation system based on the rainfall amount or type.
Lightning
The Tempest detects lightning using an electromagnetic sensor that is located inside the device. The lightning sensor detects the electromagnetic pulses emitted by lightning strikes within a radius of about 25 mi.
By measuring the time and strength of these pulses, the lightning sensor can estimate the distance and frequency of the lightning strikes based on a proprietary algorithm.
The lightning sensor has a range of 0 to 25 miles for lightning distance and 0 to 9999 strikes for lightning count. The lightning sensor has an accuracy of ±2 miles for lightning distance and ±10% for lightning count.
The lightning readings are displayed as current, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly totals, distances, trends, and graphs. You can also view the lightning start and stop times, the storm track feature that shows the direction and speed of the storm movement, and the storm check feature that corrects the readings based on official or nearby sources.
You can also set custom alerts for lightning levels that interest you, such as storm warnings or safety precautions.
The electromagnetic sensor does not have any moving parts that can wear out or get damaged by noise or vibration. The electromagnetic sensor also responds faster to changes in lightning activity than acoustic sensors.
Atmospheric Pressure
The Tempest barometer measures the atmospheric pressure using a MEMS sensor that changes its capacitance according to the pressure applied to it. The barometer ranges from 8.86 to 32.48 inHg (300 to 1100 mbar) for pressure. The barometer has an accuracy of ±0.03 inHg (±1 mbar).
The pressure readings are displayed as current, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly averages, highs, lows, trends, and graphs. You can also view the sea level pressure feature (absolute pressure) that adjusts the readings based on your elevation (relative pressure) and temperature settings. You can also set custom alerts for pressure levels that interest you, such as high or low pressure systems.
Solar Radiation and UV Index
The Tempest measures solar radiation and UV index using a photodiode that is located on top of the device. The photodiode measures the intensity of the sunlight in watts per square meter (W/m2) and converts it into a UV index value based on a proprietary algorithm. The photodiode has a range of 0 to 2000 W/m2 for solar radiation and 0 to 15 for UV index. The photodiode has an accuracy of ±5% or ±10 W/m2 (whichever is greater) for solar radiation and ±1 for UV index.
The solar radiation and UV index readings are shown in the same ways the previously mentioned sensors are. You can also view the solar energy feature that shows the amount of energy produced by the sunlight in kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m2). You can also set custom alerts for solar radiation and UV index levels that interest you, such as sunburn risk or solar panel efficiency.
Weatherflow Tempest forecasting
The Weatherflow Tempest uses a proprietary forecasting software called Nearcast. It begins with weather measurements from the Tempest Weather Station, then incorporates a huge amount of data from satellites, radars, official surface networks, other weather stations, and more. Using these carefully selected data sources, then they run their high-resolution numerical weather forecast models and train the AI-based output models to produce the most precise location-specific forecasts available anywhere. The outcome is a greatly improved forecast for the Tempest’s exact location.
Weatherflow Tempest Specifications
| Sensor | Range | Sampling Interval | Resolution | Accuracy | Calculated |
| Air Temperature | -40°F to 140°F | 1 minute | 0.1° F | ±1°F | Dew Point |
| Relative Humidity | 0 to 100% | 1 minute | 1% | ± 2% | Temperature |
| Barometric Pressure | 8.86 to 32.48 inHg | 1 minute | 0.1 mbar | ±0.03 inHg | Pressure Trend |
| Lightning Activity | 0 to 40 km (25 miles) | By Event | 1 km | ± 2 km | Heat Index Temperature |
| Wind Speed | 0 to 100 mph | 3 Seconds | 0.1 mph | greater of ± 0.5 mph | Wind Chill Temperature |
| Wind Direction | 0 to 360° | 3 Seconds | 1° | ± 5° | Delta T |
| Ambient Light | 1 to 128,000 Lux | 1 minute | 1 Lux | ± 100 Lux | Neighborhood Rain Accumulation |
| UV Index | 0 to 14 UVI | 1 minute | 0.1 UVI | ± 0.5 UVI | Air Density |
| Solar Radiation | 0 to 1900 W/m2 | 1 minute | 1 W/m2 | ± 5% | Feels Like Temperature |
| Rain Rate | 0 to 15.7″/hour | 1 minute | 0.1 mm / hr | ± 10% | Measurement |
| Rain Accumulation | Unlimited | 1 minute | 0.003937008/ inches | ± 10% | Sea Level Pressure |
| Rain Duration | Unlimited | 1 minute | 1 minute | ± 2 minutes | Wet Bulb Temperature |
| Rain Intensity | Very Light to Extreme | 1 minute | Wet Bulb Globe Temperature | ||
| Rain Start | Low to High Sensitivity | By Event |
Power:
Four solar panels that can work at any angle of the sun provide energy for the Weatherflow Tempest. The panels only need 4 hours of
sunlight every two weeks to keep running. This makes the Weatherflow Tempest useful in high-latitude places like Canada. The Tempest has a 1300 mWh LTO battery that lasts forever. If the panels don’t get enough sunlight, you can use an extra power source accessory.
The Weatherflow Tempest is Wireless
The Hub receives data from the Tempest device using a low-power 915Mhz radio signal. The Tempest weather station can send data to the Hub from up to 1000 feet away if there is nothing blocking the signal. The range may be shorter if there are obstacles (cars, walls, buildings).
The Hub, Tempest’s Indoor Receiver
The WeatherFlow Tempest Hub is a device that collects and publishes data from the Tempest Weather System. The Hub connects to the Tempest sensor array via radio frequency and to the internet via WiFi. It also performs onboard algorithmic data conditioning to improve the accuracy and quality of the data. The Hub can handle up to 12+ sensor devices at the same location. You can use the Tempest Weather app or web interface to view your weather data in real-time or access historical records. You can also share your data with other users or weather networks like Weather Underground.
The Hub requires a 1 amp 5-volt power supply (included w/Tempest) and a WiFi network. If you live in an area prone to power outages or severe weather, a Hub Power Bank is available, which is a battery backup that can keep the Hub running for up to 10 hours. The Hub Power Bank also has pass-through charging, which means it can power the Hub while charging itself.
The WeatherFlow Tempest can collect data during a power outage for up to 90 minutes and send it to the Hub when the power is restored. However, if the power outage lasts longer than 90 minutes, the Tempest will lose the data that it cannot store.
The Hub can store up to 7 days’ worth of data from a single Tempest device and restore it to the internet when the connection is restored. However, the Hub also needs a power source to operate, so if the power outage affects both the Hub and the Tempest, the data will be lost.
Integrating the Weatherflow Tempest with Smart Home Devices
The Weatherflow Tempest is not only a weather station, but also a smart home device that can communicate and interact with various smart home platforms and devices. The Tempest can be integrated with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, SmartThings, HomeKit and other platforms and devices that support the Weatherflow API. This allows you to use the Tempest’s data or events to control or automate your smart home devices based on the weather conditions.
For example, you can use the Tempest’s data or events to:
– Adjust your thermostat based on the temperature or humidity levels. For instance, you can set your thermostat to lower the temperature when the Tempest detects a high heat index or raise the temperature when the Tempest detects a low dew point.
– Turn on your lights or fans based on the wind speed or direction. For instance, you can set your lights to turn on when the Tempest detects a strong wind gust or your fans to turn on when the Tempest detects a favorable wind direction.
– Control your sprinklers or irrigation system based on the rainfall amount or type. For instance, you can set your sprinklers to turn off when the Tempest detects heavy rain or your irrigation system to turn on when the Tempest detects a drizzle.
– Control your smart blinds or shades based on the sunlight intensity or UV index. For instance, you can set your blinds to close when the Tempest detects a high solar radiation or UV index or your shades to open when the Tempest detects a low solar radiation or UV index.
– Control your smart locks or garage doors based on the pressure changes. For instance, you can set your locks to lock when the Tempest detects a low-pressure system or your garage doors to open when the Tempest detects a high-pressure system.
– Control your smart lights or sirens based on the lightning distance or frequency. For instance, you can set your lights to flash when the Tempest detects a nearby lightning strike or your sirens to sound when the Tempest detects frequent lightning activity.
These are just some examples of smart home scenarios that can be enabled using Tempest’s data or events. You can create your own custom scenarios using various platforms and devices that support the Weatherflow API.
Using the Tempest as a smart home device has some advantages and challenges. Some of the advantages are:
– You can use real-time and local weather data to control or automate your smart home devices more accurately and conveniently than using official or remote sources of weather information.
– You can use weather events to trigger smart home actions that can enhance your comfort, safety, health, and energy efficiency.
– You can use weather data to monitor and optimize the performance and maintenance of your smart home devices.
Some of the challenges are:
– You need to have a reliable and compatible Wi-Fi network and internet connection to enable communication and integration between the Tempest and other smart home platforms and devices.
– You need to have a suitable and secure location and orientation for the Tempest to ensure accurate and reliable weather measurements that can be used for smart home actions.
– You need to have a clear and consistent understanding of how different weather parameters and events affect your smart home devices and preferences.
Wrap-up of the Weatherflow Tempest Weather System Review
As a comprehensive weather system, the Tempest’s strengths and weaknesses contribute significantly to the overall user experience and the justification of its price.
Tempest’s Durability: The Tempest proves to be resilient under extreme weather events, with a robust design that ensures its longevity. Despite some challenges that may affect its solar charging capabilities, such as cloudy or rainy conditions, its long-lasting battery life compensates for this drawback.
Price Justification: While the Tempest is priced higher than average weather stations, its unique and innovative features make it a worthwhile investment. Its ability to provide accurate and reliable measurements of various weather parameters, combined with smart home integration, provides a unique value proposition that justifies its price. Tempest is solar-powered and does not require batteries.
User Experience: The Tempest is lauded for its ease of setup and use. However, it does present some limitations with the accuracy and consistency of certain weather parameters. Despite these, its commitment to providing real-time data and alerts enhances the overall user experience.
Device Aesthetics: The compact and elegant design of the Tempest not only adds to its aesthetics but also contributes to user convenience. Its single-device setup eliminates the need for additional or different sensors, creating a seamless integration into any environment.
The Tempest’s overall performance is commendable, despite certain limitations. Its customer support further enhances the user experience, providing necessary assistance when needed.
The strengths of the Weatherflow Tempest Weather System certainly outweigh its weaknesses, making it a viable choice for those seeking a modern, innovative, reliable, and aesthetic weather station.
Here is my page on the best weather stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a map of other Weatherflow Tempest weather stations?
You can find a map of other WeatherFlow Tempest weather stations in your area by visiting https://tempestwx.com/map. This is the official map of WeatherFlow Tempest stations that are publicly shared by their owners. You can zoom in and out, drag the map, and click on any station icon to see its name, location, and current weather data.
You can also view other WeatherFlow Tempest stations in your area by using the Tempest Weather app or web interface. You can download the app for free from the App Store or Google Play Store, or visit https://tempestwx.com/. Once you have the app or web interface, you can tap or click on the map icon at the bottom right corner of the screen to see nearby stations. You can also search for stations by name, location, or ID number.
Another way to find other WeatherFlow Tempest stations in your area is by using the WeatherBug app or website. WeatherBug is a third-party service that integrates with WeatherFlow and allows you to view weather data from thousands of stations around the world. You can download the WeatherBug app for free from the App Store or Google Play Store, or visit https://www.weatherbug.com/. Once you have the app or website, you can tap or click on the map icon at the top right corner of the screen to see nearby stations. You can also search for stations by name, location, or ID number.
If you own a WeatherFlow Tempest station and want to share it with others, you can do so by adjusting your public data settings in the Tempest app or web interface. You can choose to share your station name, location, and data with other Tempest users, WeatherBug users, or both. You can also choose to hide your station from public maps if you prefer to keep it private.
Can I see Weatherflow Tempest stations on Weather Underground?
Yes, you can see Tempest weather stations on Weather Underground, which is a popular weather tracking service that allows you to view and share weather data from thousands of stations around the world.
To see your Tempest weather stations on Weather Underground, you need to do the following steps:
- Log in to your account and click on the My Profile icon at the top right corner of the screen.
- Click on My Devices and then Add Device.
- Choose Weather Station as the device type and enter a name and location for your station.
- Choose WeatherFlow Tempest as the station model and enter your Tempest station ID, which you can find in the Tempest app or web interface under Settings > Stations > Public Data > Station ID.
- Click on Save and wait for your station to appear on the map.
You can also view other Tempest weather stations on Weather Underground by searching for their name, location, or ID number in the search box at the top of the screen. You can also zoom in and out, drag the map, and click on any station icon to see its current weather data.
If you own a Tempest weather station and want to share it with Weather Underground, you need to adjust your public data settings in the Tempest app or web interface. You need to enable the option to Share with Weather Networks and choose Weather Underground as one of the networks. You also need to enter your Weather Underground station ID and password, which you can find in your Weather Underground account under My Devices > Device Info.
Does the Weatherflow Tempest come with a warranty and what does it cover?
Yes, the WeatherFlow Tempest comes with a two-year limited warranty for personal/non-commercial use, which covers defects in materials and workmanship when used normally in accordance with WeatherFlow’s published guidelines. The warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and only in the country of residence at the time of purchase.
If you have a valid purchase of TempestOne branded products, which are designed for commercial use, WeatherFlow offers a one-year limited warranty, which automatically renews for two successive one-year periods as long as a commercial TempestOne service agreement is in effect.
If you need to make a warranty claim, you can contact WeatherFlow’s customer support team by opening a ticket, starting a live chat, or calling or texting their phone number. You will need to provide proof of purchase and a description of the problem. WeatherFlow will then determine whether your product is eligible for warranty service and, if so, will either repair or replace it at their discretion.
You can read the full terms and conditions of the product’s limited warranty at https://help.weatherflow.com/hc/en-us/articles/360055890614-Product-Limited-Warranty.
Is There an owners Manual for the Weatherflow Tempest?
Sure! Follow this link: https://help.weatherflow.com/hc/en-us/sections/1500000092241-Tempest-System-Owner-s-Manuals