The possibilities with modern home automation systems are endless. Many homeowners make use of ‘smart home’ solutions to remotely control their heating/cooling, lighting and check video surveillance cameras; however, very few know how they can extend their automation systems to be able to remotely monitor weather around their homes. To do this, having four components is essential: home Internet Wi-Fi connection, the home automation control panel (also known as the hub), the Smartphone App (compatible with the hub) and compatible weather analysis devices. The weather monitoring devices range from temperature sensors and rain meters, to wind meters and humidity sensors.

The control panel connects to the home Wi-Fi and becomes the central point of contact for all your automation devices, including wireless switches/dimming controls, home surveillance cameras, thermostats and blinds/curtains in addition to all the weather sensors. By installing the Smartphone App, you can configure all the above devices to be accessed and controlled by your smartphone thereby making smartphone-controlled weather monitoring possible.

Whereas the features of different home automation providers vary, most modern systems provide the following benefits with regards to wireless weather monitoring:

• Monitor weather in real-time using Smartphone

When you link your home automation hub to your weather meters, you are always in the know of how much rainfall, temperature, humidity and wind speed there is around your home whether you are in the office or enjoying your holidays. This means whenever you are away from home, you can use your Smartphone App to know the amount of rainfall in your garden or the wind speed in your local area.

• Receive emergency alerts during extreme climatic conditions

You can configure your automation system to send push alerts every time the rain meters detect certain levels of rain or heat sensors sense a preset temperature range. This means you stay prepared for the changes in the weather and can take the necessary action. For instance, if your local area experiences strong winds, you get an alert on your Smartphone after which you may choose to close your blinds or curtains.

• Make other devices work in tandem with weather sensors

Homeowners can make other devices such as thermostats and blinds/curtains respond to the readings of weather sensors. For instance, if the temperature falls below a certain level, your thermostat can switch on and automatically start heating your home.

• Analyse past climate trends

Apart from allowing you to track real-time weather updates around your home, home automation allows you to analyse periodic climate trends. You can check periodic graphs for all key weather parameters, such as wind speed, rain, humidity, UV index and more. Some systems allow you to analyse weekly climate trends whilst others also let you review monthly and annual graphs.