A sensor-free or virtual home weather station is becoming an attractive option for those with the weather bug. The two main options are a PC-based program or a standalone weather station receiving signals from a service.

Weather instruments set up around the home do create the satisfaction of tracking your own backyard micro-climate. Though some never make it out of the box due to the set up and prep work needed to get accurate readings. Something as simple as a hungry squirrel chewing through wires can also put a quick end to your weather project.

Online weather services such as WeatherBug and Weather Underground have developed a wide network of weather stations. Advances in the Internet allow for real time reporting from the stations, to the point that the wind direction dial appears to move like a wind vane. Access to hour by hour historical data makes weather patterns easily identifiable.

By tapping into services like MSN Direct, standalone weather stations can provide current weather conditions without any additional sensors. Weather readings are updated every two minutes and include wind, rain, chance of rain, temperature and humidity. NWS warnings are also carried.

The location of sensors plays a key role in choosing a home weather station. A weather service may have a station right in your neighborhood, which would make the virtual readings almost indistinguishable from those on your own instruments. On the other had, if a service has weather instruments that are 50 miles from your location, the result may be a very different picture of current conditions. Usually it is possible to find the location of available stations for a weather service.

If you love to tinker and get your hands dirty, a home weather station with instruments will not disappoint. If you prefer to stay off the roof and just want to stay on top of local weather conditions, a virtual station will make a nice fit.