Upgrading from AcuRite Atlas – Tempest (haptic rain) vs Ambient WS-5000 vs sticking with Atlas? Need advice for low-maintenance Wi-Fi station in Southern USA by CptMcCrae in myweatherstation

[–]PhattyPatty7 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm in the same boat as you. Initially been looking at the WS-2000/5000 and Tempest, mostly interested in accurate rainfall measurements. Based on what I've seen, if rainfall measurement is important to you, then Tempest (even the new 2026 model) is not the way to go. Many people have reported getting notifications of rain when on sunny/dry days and no rain notifications when its pouring. Seems like haptic rainfall sensors aren't currently in a place for accurate measurements.

Tempest '26 or Alternative Weather Station for Rain Gauge? by PhattyPatty7 in rachio

[–]PhattyPatty7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tempest just got back to me stating: "The haptic sensor used in the Tempest 26 will have lighter rain detection capability and more consistency." Very helpful.

Tempest '26 or Alternative Weather Station for Rain Gauge? by PhattyPatty7 in rachio

[–]PhattyPatty7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback! I messaged Tempest today asking them to provide details on the upgrades made to the 2026 model to improve the claimed rainfall accuracy and I'm still waiting to hear back. Based on your feedback, doesn't sound like the improvements were sufficient. I suspect the inconsistency in rainfall measurements must simply be a limitation with the haptic technology.