Rainfall is measured in terms of millimeters or inches, and, depending on the amount that has fallen, is usually described as light, moderate or heavy rain. It is said to be light rain if the amount totals one tenth of an inch of rainfall per hour. This type of rain is only a sprinkle, and doesn’t get you very wet if you get caught in it. You definitely wouldn’t need a raincoat during light rain. During a moderate rain shower, you would probably get wet if you spent even a short amount of time outside. You would definitely need a raincoat or umbrella to keep the water off your clothes and hair. Moderate rainfall measures from one tenth to one third of an inch of rain in an hour. Meteorologists call it heavy rain if more than a third of an inch of rain falls in an hour. The term, “it’s raining cats and dogs” applies here because there is nothing like a heavy shower to make you run for cover, and fast.

There are many different types of rain gauges used to get a rainfall measurement. The first is the standard eight inch rain gauge. The second way to measure new rainfall is by weighing a bucket of rainwater. The third type is called the tipping bucket method. Lastly, there is the high tech electronic rain gauge. Rain gauges can be plastic or glass and are quite a convenient way to determine whether it was just a tiny sprinkle or whether it was raining cats and dogs. They are typically placed on a fence post or any other platform that is without obstruction. There are calibration marks on the side of the gauge, and the rainfall measurements are read directly off of it.

In order to measure rainfall precisely, the gauge should be located out in the open and away from tall buildings, trees and any other obstructions. Inaccurate measurements are taken if the gauge is too close to large, impeding objects. The science behind the gauges isn’t totally precise, as water that is blowing or falling off of structures can enter the gauge, showing that it was raining cats and dogs when in actuality, it was only a moderate rain shower.

Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treat anxiety attacks as well as tips on the various medications for panic disorder available at anxietydisordercure.com.

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