Frequently Asked Questions

Tempest is a meticulously designed home weather system that delivers unmatched accuracy. Setup takes just minutes and the creative applications of Tempest data are endless! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you shop smarter.

Yes. Once your weather station is configured (using the Tempest Weather App), you can view it online from any browser at tempestwx.com. Simply log in using the same credentials you used to create your account in the mobile app.

Download the Tempest Weather mobile app on iOS or Android, and it will walk you through initial setup. Should you encounter any issues during setup, visit our Support Center >>>

The WiFI Tempest System requires a 2.4GHz WiFi connection for full functionality. The Hub does not connect to 5GHz networks or support enterprise networks, username authentication or captured portal connections.

While the majority of users prefer to view their data in the Tempest Weather App, we understand that some might want a display. Tempest is designed with sustainability in mind, so rather than including a dedicated display, we encourage users who want one to repurpose an old tablet to monitor their weather data. To make this transition seamless, each Tempest system comes with a stylish bamboo tablet stand, allowing users to give new life to their existing devices while reducing unnecessary tech waste. Learn more >>>

Tempest does not detect or measure snowfall; it does not sense weight to produce a snow depth based on liquid water equivalent. The sensor works by quantifying rain from the vibrations caused by the impacts of each raindrop.

The Tempest System is not designed to support mobile installations, there are some drawbacks to know about…

  • There is no GPS in the hardware, so the station location settings need to be updated manually upon relocating. 
  • Auto-calibrations, forecasts and AI learning for the forecasts are all based on location and taking measurements consistently at a certain location.
  • Wind direction is determined by physically aligning the sensor device to true north.
  • Rain readings are triggered by vibrations detected by the haptic rain sensor, so being in motion could create false rain readings.
  • The Hub (indoor base station) connects to a 2.4GHz home WiFi network, but a mobile hotspot could work. We don’t recommend using the Tempest without a WiFi connection.
  • The Hub does need to be powered, requiring a 1amp @5v power supply.

That said, Tempest is still used by many storm chasers who have shared various creative ways of collecting useful data during a chase. Read more>>>

The Tempest device communicates with the Hub using sub-gHz radio. In perfect line of sight, with no interference, the devices can be up to 1000ft (~300m) apart. In a typical home setting, you should be able to locate the devices at least 300ft (~100m) apart while maintaining solid connection. The maximum range will be reduced where walls and other obstacles will impede the signal. For WiFi connection, the Hub should be placed no farther from the network router than any other wirelessly connected device. Max range may vary with obstructions, wall materials, signal interference and power.

Yes! Your purchase of a Tempest System includes a 60 day, no questions asked return policy, an 8 month better forecast guarantee, 2 year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year upgrade path discount. These policies are automatically available with every purchase, no registration required, no extra purchase necessary. You can read full details here.

Tempest’s forecast is tailored to your exact location and informed by observations from your own Tempest weather station. In addition, Tempest utilizes a massive amount of data from satellites, radars, ground-based observation networks, and other sources to create its forecasts. This data is then processed by our forecast models and trained using AI-based output models to produce accurate point-specific forecasts. As a result, Tempest forecasts are more accurate than other forecasts. You will notice the greatest advantages in accuracy after about 60 days from installation. Learn more about our patented Nearcast™ Technology >>>

Tempest is built with high-quality sensors for accurate weather observations. Combined with innovative technologies like our proprietary sonic anemometer and haptic rain sensor, our devices are every bit as accurate as scientific weather stations that cost 3X the price. See our sensor specs here>>>

Yes. You can view the map of all publicly reporting Tempest stations in the mobile app or in your web browser: TempestWx.com/map

You can use any mobile device to view your weather data using the Tempest Weather iOS or Android mobile app, or any device with a web browser.

The HUB should be inside your house within range of a reliable WiFi connection. Try to limit the amount of walls between the Hub and the sensor device but the wireless range between the two is not too restrictive.

There are many suitable places you can install your Tempest device, e.g. on top of a fence, wall, railing, pergola, post, roof, etc. Here are some basic requirements:

  • The Tempest device needs exposure to direct sunlight so its internal battery can recharge. Do not locate the device in a shady spot or it may eventually lose power.
  • Choose a location that allows as much exposure to the wind, rain and sun as possible.
  • Avoid close proximity to surfaces (buildings, walls, the ground) and unnatural moisture and heat sources (exhaust vents, central air units, active chimneys).
  • The structure used to mount the device needs to be sturdy and should not shake, sway or vibrate in strong winds.

Sure, but know that some of the data collected at this location will be heavily affected by the siting limitations. For example, wind speed and wind direction, rain readings and even temperature readings would be heavily influenced by the environment in which the Tempest device is installed.

We sell a universal mount you can order from the Tempest store. There are two base attachments included with the Tempest kit, a flat base (standard 1/4″-20 thread & keyhole slot) and a pole mount (compatible with 1.25”-1.315” OD poles).

Yes, the Tempest Weather app is free and available on iOS and Android.

Yes, the Tempest Weather app is a companion application, required to set up and configure your device. The app also serves as your daily weather data viewer. Once set up, you can also view your data through or web app, as well as other integrated weather display software and applications.

Most of them. Tempest devices are compatible with all iOS and Android 5.0+ devices with Bluetooth Low Energy support for direct connection to the devices. If the device is connected to your home WiFi network, your data is pushed automatically to the cloud. Then anyone / any connected device can view the data via the Tempest app or a variety of integrated weather and smart home apps.

We are adding new integrations every month. As of 2025, you can view your Tempest weather data on Weather Underground, MyRadar, Carrot Weather, Weather Display, and several others.

Technical Questions

Also see our technical support help pages for more detailed information.

The ultra-sonic anemometer is composed of 4 transducers housed in the top of the device. The Tempest measures wind speed and direction based on the time of flight of ultrasonic pulses between pairs of transducers. This allows for a high degree of accuracy especially in variable wind conditions. An ultrasonic sensor is very good at detecting light winds and has an advantage over mechanical sensors which require momentum to rotate their bearings. Tempest’s ultrasonic anemometer has an upper detection limit of 100mph (~160 kmph). Any wind speeds above this threshold may be outside of accuracy specifications.

No, the haptic rain sensor does not reliably detect or measure snow. The impact of falling snow is too light for the sensor to pick up.

Yes. Tempest detects cloud-to-ground and cloud-to-cloud lightning activity. The onboard lightning sensor detects electrical transmissions from lightning activity up to 40km (approx. 25 miles) away and gives an estimate of distance. While the sensor algorithm is smart enough to reject man-made signals such as microwave ovens and motors, it’s important to place the Tempest away from electrical disturbances for best performance. Lightning detection equipment can be very expensive and the best, most reliable data is provided by networks of interconnected hardware. Tempest provides access to the best lightning data available. See more on Tempest’s lightning detection.

Tempest uses a patented haptic rain sensor housed in the very top of the device that measures and counts each falling raindrop. The haptic rain sensor provides an alternative method of measuring rain that brings more value to rain data than a traditional tipping bucket. It is a unique instrument that measures rainfall accumulation and rate and is also able to record the time rain began, the rain event duration down to the minute, and the relative intensity ranging from very light to extreme rainfall.

The Hub is not intended to be used outdoors, it should not be in an environment where relative humidity can reach 95% or more because water could condense on the circuits and cause damage.

The Tempest device’s operating range is from -35F to 140F.

The LTO battery in the Tempest device will continue normal charging down to about -67F. At or below this temperature, the battery should be able to keep the device powered for long enough until the temperature warms up to allow the battery to recharge.

Your Tempest station will collect and upload data to cloud servers when connected to the internet. You can access this data through the Tempest Weather mobile app or website.

If the internet connection drops, your station’s Hub will continue collecting and storing data as long as it has power. The Hub can store up to a week of data from one device. Once reconnected to the internet, the Hub will backfill stored data. During an internet outage, the mobile app will show the latest observations over Bluetooth connection with the Hub.

We use a marine-grade, UV resistant plastic formula for the device casings, which are designed to improve durability and internal electronics are also well protected with specialized coatings. No matter where you live; in the heat of Central Florida, the bitter cold of Canada, or salt spray of the Carolinas, the Tempest is built to withstand every kind of weather.

Tempest Integrations

The Tempest Weather System measures and reports the weather directly from your yard, making it the perfect companion for the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller. Users can integrate their Tempest data to inform Rachio features like Rain Skip, Wind Skip, Freeze Skip, and more! See at least 20% more efficient watering with a sprinkler system that responds to your weather. Learn more about the Tempest integration with Rachio.

It’s easy to integrate your Tempest data with Weather Underground! Instructions can be found here.

IFTTT (If This Then That) offers up a universe of possibilities to put your weather data to good use.  See the WeatherFlow page on IFTTT for sample applets, or create your own based on triggers from your weather station.

To install the Smart Weather skill say, “Alexa, enable Tempest Skill”. Then link your Tempest account using the Alexa app or the Alexa website.  Once linked, you can ask Alexa things like: “Alexa, ask Tempest how’s the weather?” “Alexa, ask Tempest what is the temperature?”

HomeKit does not yet fully support outdoor weather data integration, so Tempest does not support HomeKit at this time. It is likely that Apple will enable HomeKit to become more useful for weather data integration in the future.

Visit the Tempest Help Center or you can contact our support team.

You can call or text our support team M-F, 10 AM – 4PM Eastern Time (excluding major holidays) at 1-844-968-3679. Calls outside scheduled hours will be directed to leave a voicemail. We also offer live chat support on our Help Center. Whenever possible we recommend reaching our support team by submitting a support ticket here, and one of our agents will be in touch as soon as possible.

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