Having just endured an early winter Nor’Easter here on the East Coast, I’m reminded of people’s fanaticism regarding the weather.  Although the storm did produce several inches of snow, that result should be nothing for which anyone living in this region isn’t prepared.  Yet I’m always amazed how the first falling snowflakes stir a mild panic in people, causing them to rush drive at half the posted speed limit in their SUVs to the nearest store for supplies.

While snow in this region suddenly transforms everyone into a weatherman, most other weather patterns get little buzz (unless some government program is trying to change them).  Weather stations and websites provide enough timely information for the vast majority of people.  But these tools leave amateur meteorologists, those with the top of the line digital thermometer suction cupped to their window, wanting more – like a handheld, portable weather station.

SpeedTech Skymaster SM-28

For these budding weathermen, SpeedTech instruments has produced the Skymaster SM-28 Weather Meter.  Designed for those who want instantaneous weather data accurately measured at their exact location, the Skymaster SM-28 detects wind speed, temperature, relative humidity, dew point, and barometric pressure – all the parameters required for an accurate weather forecast.   It’s ruggedized, water resistant design is perfect for standing outside in the rain to acquire the most up-to-the-second weather data for your forecasts.  A built-in alarm notifies the user if the barometric pressure has dropped more than 6 millibars in a 3 hour period – a sure sign that a bad storm is brewing.  The SM-28 easily folds into itself for compact storage in a boat or RV.

At $190, the Skymaster SM-28 could be a great tool for someone actually able to accurately interpret its data.  For the rest of us, it’s just cheaper to watch The Weather Channel.

[Via:  Coolest Gadgets]