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:

    “What are days for?
    Days are where we live.
    They come, they wake us
    Time and time over.
    They are to be happy in:
    Where can we live but days?”
    —Philip Larkin (1922–1986)

    “A constant smirk upon the face, and a whiffling activity of the body, are strong indications of futility.”
    —Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl Chesterfield (1694–1773)