As the seasons turn this month and the kids are back in school, you’ll want to keep track of the weather so you’ll know what to have them wear and how to prepare each day.
ON ALERT
CRANK IT UP
When the power’s out, you can recharge a Sangean AM/FM WX Emergency Radio MMR-88 by USB, solar power or hand crank. Stay tuned to favorite stations while you get severe weather warnings. It also features a handy LED flashlight. $53.
800-390-1119; newegg.com
EYE ON THE SKY
On golf courses, near the water or anywhere there’s a risk of lightning, the SkyScan Model P5-3 detects and warns of potential danger. It monitors lightning and thunderstorms within 40 miles and shows how close the strikes are. $219.
888-817-7971; skyscanusa.com
POCKET PROTECTOR
For continuous updates on the go, the pocket-sized Oregon Scientific Emergency Portable Weather Radio displays National Weather Service alerts, plus advisories from U.S. Emergency All Hazards, the local Emergency Alert System and NOAA. Program it for forecasts for your geographic area. $40.
800-853-8883;
oregonscientific.com
WEATHER CENTER
SUIT YOURSELF
Get a visual aid while deciding how to dress for the day. The What-to-Wear Weather Station displays a whimsical character who shows you his choices—for warm temperatures, shorts and a T-shirt; when it’s chilly, a hat, jacket and long pants. He also has nifty rain gear. $35.
877-221-1252; acurite.com
ONE FOR ALL
Before you’re even out of bed, a glance at the multi-function LaCrosse Wireless Color Forecast Station shows your indoor and outdoor temperatures, heat index, barometric pressure, dew point, digital time and date. There’s also an alarm setting, snooze feature and USB port for charging a smartphone. $66.
608-782-1610; lacrossetechnology.com
DATA SPECIFIC
RAIN DRAIN
Stay dry inside while you monitor how much rain has fallen in your yard with a RainWise Rainew Wireless Rain Gauge. A battery-operated transmitter feeds the data to an indoor monitor. When the collector is full, it automatically tips and dumps. $200.
800-762-5723; rainwise.com
HYDRATION STATION
Too much or too little humidity can be bad for your health, your home and your possessions. Keep your indoor environment properly hydrated with data from a Caliber 4R Gold Hygrometer, which combines a classic analog design with the accuracy of a digital display. $25.
888-280-4331; amazon.com
Becky Billingsley is a freelance writer from Myrtle Beach, S.C. Her monthly column also appears in South Carolina Living, the statewide electric co-op magazine of the Palmetto state. Product inclusion on this page does not imply endorsement; product availability and prices are subject to change.
