About the Kestrel 3500FW Pocket Fire Weather Meter

Kestrel 3500FW Fire Weather Meter – USA-Made, Comprehensive Fire Weather Data Including Wind Speed, Temperature, Humidity, Pressure, and More – Waterproof, Floats, Includes PIG Reference Card, Ideal for Firefighting and Wildfire Management

The Kestrel 3500FW Fire Weather Meter is a professional-grade tool designed specifically for firefighting and wildfire management. Designed and built in the USA, this compact yet powerful weather meter provides critical fire weather data to ensure safe and effective operations in the field. It accurately measures wind speed (including current wind speed, average wind speed, and maximum wind gust), temperature, barometric pressure, relative humidity, pressure trend, wind chill, heat stress index, dew point temperature, altitude (barometric), and wet bulb temperature (psychrometric). With this essential data, the Kestrel 3500FW allows professionals to make informed decisions and stay safe when assessing fire behavior and environmental conditions. The Kestrel 3500FW allows for easy switching between mph, km/h, ft/min, m/s, knots, Beaufort as well as Fahrenheit, Celsius. Pressure readings include inHg, hPA, mb.

Why the Kestrel 3500FW is the Ideal Fire Weather Meter:

For firefighting professionals and wildfire management teams, the Kestrel 3500FW is a critical tool that provides real-time, actionable data for understanding fire weather conditions. With precise measurements of wind speed, temperature, humidity, pressure, wind chill, heat stress, and dew point, along with the included Probability of Ignition (PIG) Reference Card, the Kestrel 3500FW allows you to assess fire danger and optimize response strategies. Its waterproof design and floating capabilities make it durable and reliable in challenging environments, ensuring that you have the right information when you need it most. 

Features

Comprehensive Fire Weather Data: The Kestrel 3500FW provides an extensive set of measurements, including wind speedcurrent wind speedaverage wind speedmaximum wind gusttemperaturebarometric pressurerelative humiditypressure trendwind chillheat stress indexdew point temperaturealtitude (barometric), and wet bulb temperature (psychrometric), offering all the essential metrics for assessing fire weather conditions.

Waterproof & Floats: Fully waterproof and built to float, the Kestrel 3500FW is designed to withstand rugged outdoor conditions and will stay with you even in wet environments. Whether you're working in rain, high humidity, or near water, this durable weather meter will provide consistent and reliable readings.

PIG (Probability of Ignition) Reference Card Included: The Kestrel 3500FW includes a Waterproof Probability of Ignition (PIG) Reference Card, a valuable tool for understanding fire behavior and predicting the likelihood of ignition based on environmental conditions. This feature is essential for wildfire management and firefighting professionals working to assess fire danger and plan responses.

Designed & Built in the USA: Proudly manufactured in the USA, the Kestrel 3500FW is crafted for precision, durability, and reliability, providing the high-quality performance you expect from a leading weather instrument.

Wind Chill & Heat Stress Index:The meter measures both wind chill and heat stress index, critical for assessing the combined effects of wind and temperature on human safety, particularly for those working in extreme outdoor conditions.

Compact & Easy-to-Use: With its three-button operation, the Kestrel 3500FW is intuitive and easy to use in the field, allowing quick navigation through various functions for real-time decision-making.

5-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty: The Kestrel 3500FW is backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, offering long-term durability and protection against defects.

Portable & Rugged: This meter is designed to be compact, lightweight, and portable, making it easy to carry in your pocket or gear bag while withstanding tough conditions in the field.

Reliable & Durable: Built to withstand the harshest conditions, the Kestrel 3500FW is engineered to endure the rigors of wildfire response and outdoor environments, delivering consistent, accurate readings when you need them most.

Certificate of Conformity: Each Kestrel 3500 includes a certificate of conformity, confirming that it meets high standards of quality and provides precise, accurate measurements.

Data Hold Mode: The Hold Mode is helpful for capturing measurements when you're unable to view the display in real-time.

High-contrast monochrome LCD display: Easily readable in direct sunlight.

User-Replaceable Impeller: Every Kestrel Impeller is tested at high and low speeds. The impeller is easily replaced if needed.

Slip-On Protective Cover: Keep your Kestrel protected when not in use with a hard cover that simply slides up the lanyard and over the Kestrel.

Measures
  • Wind Speed
  • Current Wind Speed
  • Average Wind Speed
  • Maximum Wind Gust
  • Temperature
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Relative Humidity
  • Pressure Trend
  • Wind Chill
  • Heat Stress Index
  • Dew Point Temperature
  • Altitude (Barometric)
  • Wet Bulb Temperature (Psychrometric)
What else is included?
  • (1) CR2032 Lithium Battery
  • Instructions
  • Lanyard
  • Certificate Of Conformity (Spec Sheet)
  • Protective Cover - Hard Slip-on
Downloads | Manuals | Specifications

FAQs

What makes Kestrel meters different from other weather instruments?

Kestrel meters combine rugged durability, precision engineering, and field-proven reliability in a compact design. Built for professional use in harsh environments, they deliver accurate real-time data for weather monitoring, environmental research, and outdoor operations. Unlike consumer-grade instruments, Kestrel meters are engineered to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining measurement accuracy that professionals depend on. Kestrel instruments are trusted by meteorologists, researchers, outdoor enthusiasts, and industrial teams worldwide for their consistent performance and dependable results in the field.

What warranty coverage do your Kestrel Instruments include, and what is not covered?

Kestrel Instruments include a full 5-year limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Coverage includes the meter body, display, and internal components. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, unauthorized repair, water immersion beyond rated specifications, battery leakage, or wear from normal operation. Accidental drops, extreme temperature exposure, and chemical exposure are also excluded. For specific coverage details and warranty registration, please contact our support team or consult your product documentation.

What makes Kestrel meters suitable for professional field work?

Kestrel meters are engineered for demanding field conditions with rugged construction, precision sensors, and reliable performance in extreme environments. Built to withstand harsh weather, dust, and impact, they deliver accurate environmental data in real-time—whether you're monitoring livestock conditions, conducting agricultural research, or managing outdoor operations. Their compact design, intuitive interface, and long battery life make them practical tools for professionals who need dependable measurements without compromise.

What is your shipping policy?

We offer worldwide shipping with competitive rates calculated at checkout. Orders typically ship within 1-2 business days. Domestic US orders arrive in 3-7 business days via standard carriers; international delivery times vary by destination, typically 7-21 business days. All orders include tracking information. We partner with UPS, FedEx, and USPS to ensure reliable delivery of your precision instruments. For expedited options or specific shipping questions, contact our support team see our estimated delivery dates offered at checkout for each shipping selection.

Who manufactures Kestrel Instruments products and what is your company background?

Kestrel Instruments are manufactured by Nielsen-Kellerman, a leader in precision environmental measurement based in Pennsylvania, USA. Our partnership combines Nielsen-Kellerman's 40+ years of engineering expertise with Extreme Meters' commitment to delivering rugged, field-tested instruments to professionals worldwide. Together, we ensure every meter meets the highest standards for accuracy and durability.

What is your return policy?

We offer a 45-day return window from the date of purchase. Items must be unused, in original packaging, and in resalable condition. Return shipping is the customer's responsibility unless the item arrived damaged or defective. Once we receive and inspect your return, refunds are processed within 5-7 business days. For international orders, please contact our support team to discuss return options, as duties and shipping costs may apply. Damaged or defective items are eligible for replacement or full refund at no cost.

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Designed and Built in the USA. Kestrel Instruments are known for their accuracy, toughness, and reliability in the field. Trusted by professionals worldwide for precision weather measurement and environmental data logging.