Weather Words: Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge

This segment originally appeared in today's edition of the Morning Brief newsletter. Sign up here to get weekday updates from The Weather Channel and our meteorologists.

Measuring rain might seem simple, just put out a bucket and see how much water collects, right? But meteorologists need more precision, and collecting rain data is more of an artform than you might think. So that’s where the tipping bucket rain gauge comes in. Invented in 1662, this clever instrument doesn’t just measure rainfall; it records it in real time.

Inside the gauge, a small, see-saw-like bucket sits beneath a funnel. As rainwater fills one side of the bucket to a preset amount, it tips over, emptying the water and triggering an electronic signal. The other side then moves into position, ready for the next measurement. Each tip is recorded, providing a running total of rainfall over time.

Because it works automatically, a tipping bucket rain gauge is invaluable for tracking rainfall rates and storm intensity without human intervention. However, it does have limitations. Heavy rain can cause it to tip too quickly, leading to slight underestimations. Also, in freezing weather, it won’t function without a heater. Yes, some actually have a heater! Still, it remains a vital tool in weather stations, helping meteorologists monitor precipitation with accuracy.

J​ennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.