What is a Stevenson screen?

• A. A white louvered wooden box for weather instruments
• B. A type of rain gauge
• C. A shade cloth for plants
• D. A shelter for maps and supplies

Answer: (A)

A Stevenson screen is a white, wooden box with louvered sides that housing weather instruments such as a thermometer and hygrometer. The design keeps direct sun and rain away while letting air move freely inside, so temperature and humidity readings reflect the true ambient air rather than being skewed by heat from the sun or radiant surfaces. Painting it white helps reflect solar radiation, and the ventilation provided by the slats prevents overheating. It’s typically mounted off the ground and away from heat sources to ensure consistent, accurate measurements of the atmosphere. The other options describe different objects (a rain gauge, plant shading cloth, or storage shelter) and are not used for measuring air conditions.