US Patent 7340949 Precipitation measurement device

A precipitation measurement device measures a precipitation rate of falling precipitation. A first probe is exposed to the falling precipitation. A first temperature sensor detects a first probe temperature. A second probe is shielded from the falling precipitation. A second temperature sensor detects a second probe temperature. A heating element heats the first probe and the second probe when turned on, but not when turned off. After being heated and when the heating element is turned off, the first probe cools at a first temperature drop rate, and the second probe cools at a second temperature drop rate. Circuitry processes a difference between the first temperature drop rate and the second temperature drop rate to determine the precipitation rate of the falling precipitation.