Stevensonscherm

Stevensonscherm is a type of instrument shelter used to house meteorological instruments such as thermometers and hygrometers. It is designed to protect these instruments from direct sunlight, precipitation, and other weather elements while allowing for accurate measurement of ambient air conditions. The shelter consists of a louvered or slatted wooden box, typically painted white, to reflect solar radiation. The louvered construction permits free circulation of air while preventing direct solar exposure. Stevensonscheren are often mounted on a stand at a standard height above the ground, usually 1.25 meters, to ensure consistent and comparable readings. The white color helps to minimize heat absorption from the sun. Inside, the instruments are mounted on a backplate or shelf. The design aims to create a microclimate within the shelter that closely approximates the natural, uninfluenced air temperature and humidity. These shelters have been a standard component of meteorological observation stations for many decades due to their effectiveness and relative simplicity.