20 Vintage Weather Gadgets from the ’70s and ’80s That Actually Worked

There were many cool and unusual weather gadgets that gave accurate readings in the 1970s and 1980s. Most of them used analog, and people loved these gadgets because they were long-lasting and easy to use. They are an interesting look into how technology changed in the past. Many of these old weather gadgets are now collector's items that show how far we've come in predicting the weather and gathering information about it.

Tricia Quitales
April 4, 2025
7 min read

20 Vintage Weather Gadgets from the ’70s and ’80s That Actually Worked — Anna Romanova on Pexels

This article talks about 20 old weather gadgets from the 1970s and 1980s that were useful for predicting the weather. Even though technology has changed a lot since then, these old gadgets are still remembered for how accurate and reliable they were. From barometers to anemometers, these tools helped people keep track of and accurately predict the weather. A lot of these gadgets make people miss the good old days when analog gear was all the rage.

1. Oregon Scientific Barometer

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The Oregon Scientific Barometer was a reliable weather tool that made it easy to monitor changes in atmospheric pressure. It helped both amateurs and professionals guess when storms, changes in temperature, and weather patterns would occur. In the 1970s and 1980s, it was very popular because it was small and accurate.

2. Weatheradio FM Transmitter

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The Weatheradio FM Transmitter broadcasts real-time weather alerts and forecasts on a certain FM radio frequency. This tool enabled people to receive current alerts on hazardous weather, including hurricanes and tornadoes. For those who lived in areas where severe weather was frequent, it was a useful tool in the 1970s and 1980s.

3. Kestrel 1000 Wind Meter

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The Kestrel 1000 Wind Meter was a small, hand-held device that estimated wind speed. It was an important tool for people who liked being outside. With a simple dial and screen, users could check to see if it was safe to fly or sail. Because it was accurate and easy to use, the wind meter was often included in weather kits.

4. Hygrometer by Taylor Instruments

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This old hygrometer from Taylor Instruments was made to check how humid the air is. As an important weather monitoring tool, it helped people figure out how much water was in the air, which helped them guess when it would rain or change the weather in other ways. It worked especially well in homes and businesses to keep the air inside comfortable.

5. Wristwatch with Barometric Pressure Indicator

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In the 1980s, barometric pressure sensors started appearing on more wristwatches. People who wore these watches could see the weather patterns on their wrists, making it easy to tell when it would rain or storm. They combined style with function, so people could stay ready while they were on the go.

6. Vintage Thermometers from Taylor

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Taylor Instruments produced a wide variety of thermometers frequently used to measure inside and outside temperatures in the 1970s and 1980s. These instruments were quite accurate and simple to operate. They came in many styles, from basic glass designs to more sophisticated digital displays. They were crucial for determining how the temperature would vary throughout the day.

7. Casio Weather Station Watch

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Casio made a watch called a “weather station” that could tell you about the weather by showing you the temperature and barometric pressure. In the 1980s, people who wanted a small, portable way to keep track of the weather liked this gadget. The watch was a big step forward, with features ahead of their time.

8. Ambient Weather Station by La Crosse Technology

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One of the first efforts to produce precise predictions for home weather stations was La Crosse Technology’s Ambient Weather Station. A thermometer, barometer, and hygrometer all in one, the Ambient Weather Station let users determine when the weather would shift. Many found the tool to be quite accurate and straightforward.

9. Cyclone Anemometer by Lufft

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The Cyclone Anemometer from Lufft measured the speed and direction of the wind. In the 1980s, meteorologists and people who liked being outside liked how it was made. The readings it gave were very accurate, and it was made to last in bad weather.

10. Barigo Analog Barometer

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In the 1970s and 1980s, the Barigo Analog Barometer was popular because it was good at predicting changes in atmospheric pressure. It was made to be precise. It was used often in homes and small weather stations to help people figure out what the weather would do, especially in mountainous areas. Because of its beautiful design, the barometer was also loved as a piece of decor.

11. Telemet Scientific Rain Gauge

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Telemet Scientific’s rain gauge was an important way to track how much rain fell. The simple but useful design accurately measured rainfall, helping people guess how bad storms would be. Many farmers and weather fans used these gauges because they gave accurate and useful readings.

12. The Weather Forecasting Egg

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In the 1970s, a fun weather device called the Weather Forecasting Egg was all the rage. Its chamber was full of liquid that would change hue with pressure and humidity variation. Though not particularly accurate, it was a fun tool for discussing the weather and enabling people to identify patterns.

13. Barograph by Smiths Instruments

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Smiths Instruments made the Barograph, a mechanical tool used to track changes in air pressure over time. It had a drum that turned and a stylus that recorded changes in pressure continuously. This kept a running record of weather trends. In the 1970s and 1980s, meteorologists liked to use the tool.

14. Tandy Electronic Weather Station

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The Tandy Electronic Weather Station was one of the first consumer electronics to provide information about the weather, such as temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. It was also one of the first small, home-friendly gadgets to combine several weather features into one. In the 1980s, it became popular with amateur meteorologists and tech fans.

15. Nautical Marine Weather Instruments

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In the 1970s and 1980s, more people, mostly sailors and fishermen, used marine weather instruments. Anemometers, barometers, and compasses were some of these tools. They helped people keep track of wind speed, pressure, and other important conditions. The way they were made made them strong enough to handle the rough sea.

16. RadioShack Digital Thermometer

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The RadioShack Digital Thermometer, which was popular in the 1980s, was one of the first digital thermometers. It became common in homes and small weather stations because the screen was easy to read. The digital readout was a newer version of the mercury thermometer that gave faster readings.

17. La Crosse Weather Clock

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La Crosse’s Weather Clock was a traditional clock with weather monitoring features, such as readings of temperature and humidity. It was a useful all-in-one gadget that was very popular in homes and offices in the 1980s. The design let people see both the time and the weather simultaneously.

18. Sailing Weather Instruments

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In the 1970s and 1980s, mariners needed tools like anemometers, barometers, and temperature gauges built into sailing weather instruments. These tools were made to withstand the rough seas and help sailors predict changes in the wind and storms that are coming. They were made to be used on boats, so they were small and tough.

19. Acorn Barometric Pressure Monitor

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The Acorn Barometric Pressure Monitor was one of the first portable devices used to track changes in air pressure. Amateur meteorologists who liked keeping an eye on weather patterns from home really liked it. It was easy to use to predict changes in the weather because it was small and had an easy-to-read screen.

20. Fisher Weather Station

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Sleek and simple to use, the Fisher Weather Station combined thermometer, hygrometer, and barometer. Its knowledge of temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure helped users to forecast how the weather would evolve boldly. Amateur meteorologists loved this tool in the 1970s and 1980s.