What Is the Stratus Rain Gauge?
The Stratus Rain Gauge is a professional-grade instrument designed to measure rainfall with high precision, in increments as small as 1/100th of an inch — a level of accuracy trusted by weather professionals, meteorologists, and serious gardeners alike. It captures up to 11 inches of precipitation using a calibrated dual-tube design that separates rainfall into a measurable inner tube and larger outer cylinder. FLI Products+1
Made from UV-resistant polycarbonate plastic and designed to endure the elements, the Stratus Rain Gauge is ideal for tracking rain, snow, hail, and more without needing power or electronics. The Weather Station Experts
Why Accurate Rainfall Measurement Matters
Accurate rainfall data isn’t just a curiosity — it’s a core tool for:
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Gardeners deciding when to water plants
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Farmers planning irrigation and crop care
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Weather enthusiasts tracking patterns and trends
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Citizen scientists contributing to weather networks
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Homeowners understanding local climate impacts
Without precise measurement tools, estimates of precipitation can vary widely, leading to over- or under-watering — which can waste resources or stress plants unnecessarily. FLI Products
How the Stratus Rain Gauge Works
The Stratus Rain Gauge uses a funnel and dual cylinder system:
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Precipitation collection: Rain falls through the funnel into the inner measuring tube.
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Accurate measurement: The inner tube measures up to 1 inch of rain in 0.01-inch increments.
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Overflow capacity: When the inner tube fills, excess rain spills into the outer cylinder, allowing measurement up to 11 inches.
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Manual reading: Users visually read the measurement scale to record rainfall. TheRainGauge.com
Since it’s a purely analog design with no electrical components, the gauge works in all weather conditions, including snow and sleet, without power requirements. The Weather Station Experts
Key Benefits of Precision Rain Tracking
📏 Professional-Level Accuracy
Measuring rainfall to 0.01-inch precision allows for more detailed tracking than many standard consumer rain gauges. The Weather Station Experts
🌦️ Large Collection Capacity
With up to 11 inches of measurable precipitation, the gauge can handle heavy storms without overflowing. FLI Products
☀️ Durable Weather-Ready Design
Made of UV- and weather-resistant polycarbonate, it resists fading, cracking, and weather damage over long-term outdoor exposure. The Weather Station Experts
🧠 Manual, Dependable, Power-Free
No batteries or electronics mean the gauge is reliable even in remote areas or during power outages. The Weather Station
📊 Trusted by Weather Networks
Stratus gauges meet standards used by the National Weather Service and are suitable for participation in community weather observation networks. FLI Products
Installation Best Practices
To ensure accurate readings:
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Place the gauge in an open area away from trees, walls, or structures that block rain. The Weather Station
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Mount it level on a post, fence, or stand with the included bracket. The Weather Station Experts
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Secure it in windy areas to prevent tipping. The Weather Station
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Empty and clean regularly to avoid debris buildup. The Weather Station
Pros and Cons
👍 Pros
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Professional-grade precision
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Large measurement capacity
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No power or batteries needed
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Durable all-weather construction
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Suitable for multiple precipitation types
👎 Cons
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Requires manual reading
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Must be manually emptied after heavy rains
Stratus Rain Gauge vs. Other Rain Gauges
| Feature | Stratus Rain Gauge | Typical Basic Rain Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | Up to 0.01 in | Often 0.1 in |
| Material | UV-resistant polycarbonate | Basic plastic |
| Capacity | Up to 11 in | Often 5–7 in |
| Installation | Mounting bracket included | Varies |
| Power | None required | Some digital models need power |
Stratus stands out for precision and durability rather than digital conveniences.
Buyer’s Guide: Is the Stratus Rain Gauge Right for You?
You may benefit from a Stratus Rain Gauge if you are:
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A gardener tracking watering needs
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A farmer or landscaper planning irrigation
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A weather enthusiast or student
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A member of a citizen science weather network
If you want basic visual rain detection only, a simple gauge may suffice — but for detailed tracking and analysis, Stratus delivers professional-level results.
Expert Tips for Rain Monitoring
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Check readings each morning after rain events
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Pair your gauge with a notebook or app for tracking trends
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Use alongside soil moisture data for better watering decisions
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Mount the gauge at least 2–3 feet above ground to avoid splash-in distortion
Frequently Asked Questions
How precise is the Stratus Rain Gauge?
It measures rainfall in 0.01-inch increments for highly accurate results. The Weather Station Experts
Does it require power?
No — it works manually and requires no batteries or electrical components. The Weather Station
Can it measure snow or hail?
Yes — by melting collected snow or hail into liquid, you can measure precipitation using the gauge’s markings. The Weather Station Experts
Is it suitable for science projects?
Yes — it meets accuracy standards that make it suitable for weather observation networks.
Will it work for snow?
Yes - see the instructions included with the product or online for how to capture and measure the snow.
Accurate precipitation data can inform everything from irrigation choices to weather reporting. The Stratus Rain Gauge delivers reliable, professional-grade measurements without power requirements, making it a durable tool for gardeners, farmers, and weather enthusiasts alike. To learn more, explore the Stratus Rain Gauge at FLI Products or through major retailers such as Walmart.
## Closing
Accurate rainfall data supports better gardening, irrigation planning, and weather tracking. The Stratus Precision Rain Gauge offers professional-grade accuracy without batteries or electronics, making it a reliable tool for gardeners, growers, and weather enthusiasts alike.
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