13. Measuring and Forecasting Weather 2. Temperature


Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius/Centigrade (°C) using an instrument called a thermometer. A special type of thermometer called a maximum and minimum thermometer (figure 8) is used in weather stations.


How a Maximum and Minimum Thermometer Works


A maximum and minimum thermometer is a U-shaped glass tube on which temperature readings are marked. The tube contains alcohol on its ‘minimum’ side, a vacuum (space) on its ‘maximum’ side and mercury in between. It also contains two metal markers inside the tubing on either side of the mercury. The metal markers show the maximum and minimum temperatures reached.


MIN


When the temperature decreases, the alcohol contracts and causes the metal marker on the minimum side of the tube to ‘retreat’ so that it marks the lowest temperature reached.


°C


–10 –15 –20 –25


–8


0 5


10 15 20 25 30 35 40


8. A maximum and minimum thermometer


Temperature on a Weather Map


On a weather map, the average (mean) temperature for an area is displayed in the form of a number.


26


According to figure 9, what is the highest average temperature/s being experienced by Ireland on this particular afternoon, and where is it recorded? (Refer back to the map of weather stations on p. 191 to help you.) Which counties are experiencing the lowest temperatures? Why might this be the case?


9. Average temperature 24 22 26 22 21 21


THIS AFTERNOON Temp (°C)


24 22


Alcohol Vacuum


Reset button


Metal markers


MAX °C


10 15 20 25 30 35 40


0 5


–5 –10 Mercury


–15 –20 –25


When the temperature increases, the alcohol expands and causes the metal marker on the maximum side of the tube to be pushed up so that it marks the highest temperature reached.


12 3 Being numerate


What are the maximum and minimum readings shown on the maximum and minimum thermometer in figure 8? (Readings are taken from the bottom of the metal markers.)


Centigrade is the old name for ‘Celsius’.


195


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