Step 1
Locate the slot or screw at the back of the Seth Thomas barometer where the circular dial hand is adjusted. Most Seth Thomas barometers have two hands at the front. One, the floating hand, moves automatically based on changes in air pressure. The adjustable dial is used to correct your local barometer to what the readings would be at sea level, by moving it to what the reading would be on a calm clear day. The dial can be adjusted by either a key that came with the barometer and fits into the back or a screwdriver that can adjust a set screw.
Step 2
Call a local weather bureau, airport or television station to get what the default normal pressure is for your area. If none is easily available, wait for a day when the weather is calm and clear. Take the reading from the floating hand. Confirm that reading by doing it again on another day that is calm and clear. The spot where the floating hand regularly sets on a clear, calm day is where the dial should be set to 29.92 at the fixed hand.
Step 3
Use the key or screwdriver to adjust the dial so that the fixed hand reads at 29.92. This is the default setting for your local area. Your barometer readings will be based on how far above or below this setting the floating hand is on a given day.
Step 4
Read the barometer by checking how far above or below the fixed hand the floating hand is. A single reading is not enough. You should check a reading and then check again 15 to 30 minutes later to see whether the floating needle is rising or falling. A needle that is rising above 29.80 indicates that weather is clearing and little precipitation is likely. When it begins to fall below 29.80, it indicates precipitation is likely.