This second installment of our “Top Ten Gifts for Weather
Watchers” includes five unique gifts ranging in price from the fairly affordable to very pricey.
We don’t own and haven’t experienced numbers 6-9, but we would certainly like to! For
the first five picks on our list, refer to our
11/19/2012 posting here. Also, check out our
updated all-new gift list for 2013 for more great gift ideas! And
if you think there are other items we should know about, please add your thoughts in
the comments section below – we are always on the lookout for tools that will
enhance our weather watching.
6.
Heat Index and Wind Chill Gauge. Most standard weather stations report the
temperature indoors and out, barometric pressure, and often some other readings,
but most do not record wind child or heat index. So if you want to know what it
really feels like outdoors, this Heat Index and Wind Chill Gauge for $58 seems
likely to do the trick. This instrument is described as “a comfort meter
mechanism (crisscrossing thermometer/hygrometer) with the addition of an
accurate heat index gauge and wind chill chart.”
7.
Advanced-Level,Pocket Sized Wind Meter. For $124, you can hold a complex weather station
in the palm of your hand. An internal "wind vane" ensures all readings
are on the wind's axis, and the specially designed case keeps hands away from
affecting sensors. Measures temperatures ranging from -20° to 158°F; wind speed
from .8 to 89 mph; and wind chill from -50° to + 50° F.
8.
Dancing
Leaves Iron Wind Spinner. For fans of the movie Twister who long to have
one of Aunt Meg’s kinetic, wind-powered sculptures in their backyard, this is
the next best thing. While much smaller than Aunt Meg’s work, this 25”W x 75”H
kinetic spinner is sure to evoke similar feelings. And at $99.95 it’s happily also more affordable than Aunt Meg’s sculptures
would be.
9.
Storm Chasing
Adventure. At $2,600, this high end gift vacation could well be unforgettable (in a good way, hopefully!). Perhaps it’s already on your
bucket list? This particular company is the first site that popped up in our Google search, and
while it seems to have a long list of endorsers, be sure to weigh the many
different “storm chasing tour” options out there before you sign on. This tour company provides a tornado guarantee, and it's also been covered on
National Geographic Television & Film, NBC Nightly News, The
Discovery Channel, BBC World TV, CNN News, The Weather Channel, and many other media outlets. It offers a variety of 6-day
tours which travel across the Great Plains, and it uses vehicles equipped with
mobile broadband data connections, up-to-date radar software, and state-of-the-art
communications equipment. Several years
ago, I saw a special on one such tornado chasing tour – not only were the
sights and sounds simply amazing, but the tour group, which included 10-12 interesting and eclectic people from all over the world, was an experience all by itself.
10.
Weather Desktop Max. [
NOTE ADDED 12/2013 - this item has recently been discontinued; the Weather Channel now provides apps free of charge.] Brought to you by The Weather Channel for $30/year, this desktop application provides a mini screen mode for viewing detailed weather forecasts for your
local area and four other locations around the country. In addition to relaying information about present conditions, including a "map in
motion" showing your local real-time radar (essential if you want to know where that thunderstorm you hear is located
exactly), Desktop Max also provides extended forecasts (45-hour and 10-day),
interactive maps, dining and travel conditions, pollen and allergy report,
weather trivia and more. Even when “minimized,” it will “thunder” at you when a
weather advisory or alert is issued. You can try this out before purchasing through their 7-day free trial offer.
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* For the record, with the exception of the "Weather Desktop Max," we have no direct experience with the other items listed here, so do your own research before purchasing. And if you do purchase any of these items or go on a storm chasing tour, please send us a review!
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