How to Read an Outdoor Thermometer

Thermometers measure temperature. An outdoor thermometer reads the temperature of the air. Basic thermometers function in much the same way and are read in the same way.

Instructions

1. Thermometers have a glass bulb connected to a glass tube with a numbered scale running up and down vertically. Mercury or tinted alcohol in the tube rises and falls as the temperature rises and falls. As it becomes hotter outside, the liquid also heats and the molecules get larger, forcing the liquid to rise. Today, there are also digital displays.

2. Look at what number on the thermometer is even with the top of the liquid in the tube. This number is what the air temperature is. Make sure that your eyes are level with the top of the column of liquid when you are reading it.

3. Usually the degrees in Fahrenheit is located on the left side of the thermometer's tube, and Celsius is located on the right. Make sure that you are reading the side that pertains to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that the tube that holds the liquid in the thermometer is sealed airtight. Any air getting into the tube will throw off the thermometer.

References

• Outdoor Thermometer
• Outdoor Thermometers

Resources

• Reading thermometers