What does a pyranometer measure in RAWS?

A pyranometer is an instrument specifically designed to measure solar radiation, which is critical for assessing the energy received from the sun in a given area. This measurement is vital in many environmental and meteorological applications, including those related to Remote Automatic Weather Stations (RAWS) that monitor and record weather conditions for various purposes, including fire weather forecasting, research, and management of forest resources.

In the context of RAWS, understanding solar radiation is important for evaluating how much energy is available for evaporation, plant growth, and potential fire behavior. By accurately measuring the intensity of solar radiation, a pyranometer provides essential data that can inform decisions regarding land management and fire risk assessment, making it a key component of weather monitoring systems.