Rain gauge

A rain gauge collects precipitation and measures how much falls at a location over a specified period. Its readings support weather observation, water management, and climate records.

Standard rain gauge: A gauge that collects precipitation in a calibrated cylinder for measurement of accumulated depth. Its funnel and measuring tube turn collected rain into a standardized depth reading.
Weather station: A site equipped to observe atmospheric conditions using instruments and standardized procedures. Rain gauges commonly operate as part of coordinated local weather observations.
Precipitation: Water, in liquid or solid form, that falls from clouds and reaches Earth's surface. A gauge measures precipitation, though its design may capture rain and snow differently.
Weather radar: A remote-sensing system that uses returned radio waves to locate and estimate precipitation in the atmosphere. Radar maps broad areas, while a rain gauge measures precipitation at one ground location.
Tipping-bucket rain gauge: An instrument that records precipitation as a small bucket tips after filling to a calibrated volume. Each tip converts a measured volume into a rainfall increment and timestamp.
Hydrology: The study of water's movement, distribution, and properties on Earth and other planets. Rainfall measurements provide essential input for analyzing runoff and water supply.
Millimetre: A metric unit of length equal to one thousandth of a metre. Rainfall depth is commonly reported in millimetres of water.
Disdrometer: An instrument that measures the size and velocity distribution of falling raindrops or other hydrometeors. A disdrometer characterizes individual falling particles rather than only accumulated precipitation.
Weighing precipitation gauge: A gauge that measures precipitation by recording the changing weight of a collection vessel. Continuous weight records can capture accumulation and intensity without discrete bucket tips.
Flood forecasting: The prediction of floods using observations and models of rainfall, river flow, and terrain. Rapid accumulation measured by gauges can signal rising flood risk.

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