Weather center - Current Observations at Silver Spring, MD
TEMPERATURE (REAL & APPARENT)
This is what everyone wants to know -- What's the temperature outside? Also included are two measures of apparent temperature -- how hot or cold does it feel outside? The Wind Chill is a combination of the temperature and wind speed and gives an idea of how horrific it feels out during the winter. The Heat Index is a combination of the heat and humidty and gives an idea of how muggy it is during the summer.
RAINFALL
The current rainfall figures are given below. Also included is the Rain Rate, which is a measure of how hard it is raining, if it is. Also included is the storm rain, which is the amount of rain from a single precipitation event, which may span between days.
WIND AND PRESSURE
The 10-minute average wind speed gives a good idea of how windy it is out - it is an average though, so realize that wind gusts are averaged out of the value displayed. The wind direction is in the form of "from the", so a North wind with be "From the North". The barometer reading gives an idea of where it is and the range for the day, but is more useful in historical perspective.
SOLAR ACTIVITIES
We're able to provide several statistics on the amount of solar radiation and ultraviolet light reaching our location. Of particular note is the UV Index. Exposure to UV light causes tanning of the skin, excessive exposure is believe to cause premature aging and skin cancer. Or, at the very least, an uncomfortable sunburn.
OTHER WEATHER VARIABLES
Other variables that are important to the overall weather picture, but don't fit into the categories above.
SOIL CONDITIONS
Using our set of sensors located at ground level, we're able to give you information on the current conditions underground, as well.
INDOOR CONDITIONS
While mostly posted for our own curiousity, you might be interested in the conditions inside the Maryland Weather Center.
