Make a mini weather station at home

Weather scientists at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) measure rain and temperature in standard ways. You can copy them at home.

Rain gauge. Use a clear bottle or jar with straight sides, so the depth of water matches the rain that fell. Put it in an open spot, away from trees, walls and buildings, as IMD's guidance advises. Each morning, measure the water depth in millimetres with a ruler, write it down, and empty the gauge.

What your number means. IMD's glossary names a day's rain like this: very light 0.1 to 2.4 mm; light 2.5 to 7.5 mm; moderate 7.6 to 35.5 mm; rather heavy 35.6 to 64.4 mm; heavy 64.5 to 124.4 mm; very heavy 124.5 to 244.4 mm; and extremely heavy 244.5 mm or more. A "rainy day" is any day with 2.5 mm or more.

Thermometer. IMD measures air temperature in a space where air flows freely but sunlight does not hit the thermometer, about 1.2 metres above the ground. Its thermometers sit in a white box with slatted sides, called a Stevenson screen. At home, hang your thermometer in the shade with air around it, never in direct sun.

Keep a diary. Write down rain and temperature every day for a month, then compare with IMD's forecast for your district.

Share your readings in the Kids Learn: El Niño room.

Join the El Niño help room on soshyal.com to ask questions and share what you see in your area.