Written by intern Joe Moore, Senior Meteorology student at Millersville University.

As a meteorology student, I know a thing or two about weather. So, I decided to write this handy guide to using a Kestrel to take measurements as a storm spotter. As someone with experience in the SKYWARN program of the National Weather Service, I have made this guide to align with the standards for storm spotting and reporting.

Wind
Applies to: All models (Direction: 4500 only)

To take a wind measurement, you should be in an open area, with 10 times the height of the nearest building away from you. (Eg. if you are near a 2 story home- about 25 feet tall – you should stand 250 feet away) While this is not always possible, it helps to get better measurements. It is also important to take into effect the terrain around you when taking a wind measurement.

Making the measurement with a Kestrel Weather Meter:
For 1000, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500: You may need to scroll through the list of measurements by using the left and right arrow keys.
For 4000+: You may need to scroll through list of measurements by using the up and down arrow keys.

Instantaneous Wind Speed: This is what is displayed on the Wind Speed screen. For NWS SKYWARN purposes, it is suggested to use either MPH or KTS as units. This is the “live” display of the data.

Wind Gust/Max Wind: This is the maximum 3-second sustained value. Use the left/right arrow keys to get to this value. (Note for 4000+: You need to turn this “on” to record max and avg wind by pressing the enter (horizontal bar) key on the max/avg screen. Do this before you begin reporting!)

Sustained wind speed: Scroll to the left or right to find this value. (For 4000+: this value is on the same screen as the max wind speed). For 1000-3500, this value is the average wind speed since turning on the unit. For 4000+, this is in the average since you have selected to record the value. Note, for NWS standards, averages winds are determined over a 2 minute period.

A note about the impeller on your Kestrel: The impeller on every Kestrel is replaceable. It is suggested to replace at least every battery change (batteries are have a life 300-400 hours of active use, depending on the model). The range of the impeller is 0.8 to 89 MPH for 3% accuracy (NWS requirement is 5%), and it will work up to 135 MPH (with less accuracy).

Temperature
Applies to: All models except 1000

All Kestrel models are equipped with quick-response thermometers that can are externally mounted from the case to give the most accurate reading possible. This patented technology allows you to measure temperature quickly and accurately.

Making the measurement with a Kestrel Weather Meter:
Navigate to the temperature screen (2000-3500: left and right arrows; 4000+: up and down arrows).

For air temperature, wave the Kestrel around for a few minutes. If taking from extreme environments (eg. 78 F in a house to 25 F outside) allow a few minutes for it to adjust. In cold environments, do not breath on the unit nor touch the sensor.

For water temperature, submerge unit in water. All Kestrel units are sealed to IP67 standards, which means it can be submerged at a 3 meter depth for up to 30 minutes. Unless you have goggles, it may be useful to use the hold function (on the 2000/2500/3000/3500) or manually capture the data in the data logger (4000+).

For snow temperature, place Kestrel in snow. As with when taking water measurements, the hold/data capture function of your Kestrel may be useful.

FYI: Water and Snow temperature are usually not useful to NWS Meteorologists, but are interesting parameters to measure. (Snow temperature is used by Olympic skiers and snowboarders to determine how much wax to use on their skis/snowboards.)

Other benefits to Kestrel units to keep you safe
Many Kestrel units can also display things like wind chill (2000+) and heat index (3000+). Barometric Pressure is another useful weather parameter to measure (2500/3500/4000/4500). Kestrel units are designed manufactured in the USA (in Boothwyn, PA) and are designed to be the best portable weather meters in the world! All units come with a 5 year warranty. Even after this period, any unit that stops functioning may be repaired or replaced with an equivalent model for a discount under the Customer Care Program.

***Nielsen-Kellerman, manufacturer of Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters, offers a 15% discount to SKYWARN spotters.***

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