Tempest Home Weather Station Review

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.

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 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.

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.

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