Why is the temperature reported on the LLNL Weather page different from the temperature seen on a local thermometer?
[TOC] There are many reasons the temperature reported by the LLNL met tower may be different from that of other thermometers around the lab. • The temperature reported on the “Current Conditions at LLNL” page is taken at 2 meters above the ground. Other thermometers may take readings at other heights. Other thermometers are often near the source of heat – the ground. We also have a thermistor at 10 meters. The difference between the 2m and 10m sensors can be over 2 F on a sunny day. • Our thermistors are assessed every three months and have to be within 0.5 F of a standard. They’re usually closer than that. One of the most common styles of consumer thermometers is the bi-metal strip thermometer. These are notorious for being out of calibration and out of linearity. • Our thermistors are ventilated by a fan. This way we get a true air temperature, not temperature elevated by buildup of heat. Other thermometers are usually not ventilated and are often between buildings that slow down the
