Measuring meteorological variables for studying the climate

The first instrumental weather measurements that have survived started in the 1660s from early thermometers, soon followed by rainfall and snowfall (precipitation) measured using early types of rain gauge placed on roofs. Starting in 1659, the longest surface temperature data set is the Central England Temperature (CET) dataset, which is supported by weather diary information. By 1850 weather instruments were widely operated in Europe, the...