Time Constant

A time constant is the amount of time it takes for a meteorological sensor to respond to a rapid change in a measurand until it is measuring values within the accuracy tolerance usually expected of the sensor.

This most often applies to measurements of temperature, dewpoint temperature, humidity and air pressure. Radiosondes are especially affected due to their rapid increase in altitude.

Famous quotes containing the words time and/or constant:

    “Come near; I would, before my time to go,
    Sing of old Eire and the ancient ways:
    Red Rose, proud Rose, sad Rose of all my days.”
    —William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)

    “By constant dripping, water hollows stone,
    A signet-ring from use alone grows thin,
    And the curved plowshare by soft earth is worn.”
    —Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso)