Evaluation of precipitation measurements using a standard rain gauge in relation to data from a precision lysimeter

Abstract The construction of modern lysimeters with a precise weighing system made it possible to achieve an unprecedented accuracy of precipitation measurement. This study compares two methods of measuring precipitation in the conditions of the humid continental climate of the Eastern Slovakian Lowland (Slovakia): measurement using a standard tipping-bucket rain gauge vs. precision weighable lysimeter. Data from the lysimeter were used as a reference measurement. The comparison period lasted four years (2019–2022). Only liquid rainfall was compared. The rain gauge was found to underestimate precipitation compared to the lysimeter. Cumulative precipitation for the entire monitored period captured by the rain gauge was 2.8% lower compared to lysimeter measurements. When comparing hourly and daily totals of precipitation and precipitation events, a very high degree of agreement was detected ( r 2 > 0.99; RMSE from 0.22 to 0.51 mm h –1 ). A comparison based on precipitation intensity showed a decreasing trend in measurement accuracy with increasing precipitation intensity. This tendency has an exponential course. With increasing intensity of precipitation, increasing intensity of wind was also recorded. In order to correct measurement errors, simple correction method was proposed, which helped to partially eliminate the inaccuracies of the rain gauge measurement.