Tempest

    Tempest Home Weather Station Review (2026)

    A high-end, all-in-one wireless sensor suite that provides hyper-local weather data to help optimise home heating and garden maintenance.

    Reviewed 4 July 2026 Updated 4 July 2026
    Tempest Home Weather Station

    Quick verdict

    The Tempest is a premium choice for enthusiasts who want to integrate weather data into their smart home systems. While it won't save energy on its own, its ability to feed real-time sunshine and wind data into smart thermostats can lead to more efficient heating cycles.

    PowerGuardian Rating

    Overall
    4.0out of 5
    Energy Saving3.2
    Ease of Use4.5
    Value3.5
    Features4.8
    Installation4.2
    Reliability4.0

    Who it's best for

    • Smart home enthusiasts with existing automation
    • Gardeners and weather hobbyists
    • Homes in exposed or coastal UK locations

    Who should avoid it

    • You only want a simple thermometer/hygrometer
    • You have no interest in smart home automation
    • You live in a flat with no access to an open outdoor space

    Overview

    The Tempest Home Weather Station by Tempest UK is a sophisticated, moving-parts-free device that measures wind, rain, humidity, pressure, and solar radiation. Unlike cheaper alternatives, it uses haptic and ultrasonic sensors to minimise maintenance. It is designed to sit in an open outdoor space and transmit data via a dedicated hub to your smartphone or smart home ecosystem, providing a much higher level of accuracy than general postcode-based weather forecasts.

    Key features

    • Sonic Wind Speed & Direction Sensor
    • Haptic Rain Sensor (measures force/duration)
    • Solar Radiation & UV Index Monitoring
    • No moving parts for long-term durability
    • Smart home integration (IFTTT, Google, Alexa)
    • Lightning detection up to 40km range

    Real world performance

    In the UK's variable climate, the sonic anemometer and haptic rain sensor prove more durable than traditional spinning cups and tipping buckets, which often seize in frost or clog with debris. The solar-powered design is surprisingly robust even during British winters, provided it isn't placed in permanent shadow. Users will find the app interface clean and the integration with platforms like IFTTT or Home Assistant seamless for automating tasks based on local conditions.

    Energy saving potential

    Energy savings are indirect but measurable for those with automated systems. By using 'solar gain' data to lower smart TRVs when the sun is hitting south-facing windows, or using wind-speed data to preempt heat loss in draughty homes, users could potentially shave 2-5% off annual heating bills (£30-£70 based on typical usage). However, these savings require existing smart heating infrastructure to act on the Tempest’s data.

    Installation

    The unit is remarkably easy to set up with no moving parts to calibrate. It requires a 1-inch pole for mounting and a clear line of sight to the sky. The 'Hub' must stay indoors within Wi-Fi range and reliably communicate with the outdoor sensor via sub-GHz radio.

    Running costs

    Negligible. The outdoor unit is solar-powered with an integrated battery, and the indoor hub consumes less power than a standard Wi-Fi router.

    Pros

    • Maintenance-free design with no moving parts
    • Exceptionally fast data refresh rates
    • Excellent integration with high-end smart home systems
    • Solar powered with no battery changes required

    Cons

    • High initial investment compared to basic stations
    • Haptic rain sensors can occasionally misinterpret vibrations
    • Requires an open location for accurate wind readings

    Alternatives

    Netatmo Smart Weather Station

    Ecowitt GW1101

    Frequently asked questions

    Does it work with Amazon Alexa or Google Home?

    Yes, it can provide verbal weather reports and trigger routines via these platforms.

    How does it charge during dark UK winters?

    The high-efficiency solar panels are designed to keep the internal battery topped up even under overcast British skies, provided it is not obstructed.

    Do I need a subscription to see my data?

    No, there are currently no mandatory monthly subscription fees for accessing your own device's data via the app.

    Can I use this data to control my heating?

    Yes, but you will typically need a bridge like IFTTT or a smart home controller to link the Tempest's solar/temp data to your smart thermostat.

    Final verdict

    4.0 / 5

    The Tempest is a premium choice for enthusiasts who want to integrate weather data into their smart home systems. While it won't save energy on its own, its ability to feed real-time sunshine and wind data into smart thermostats can lead to more efficient heating cycles.

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