Weather Monitoring

When planning an outdoor event, it is important to monitor the weather conditions in order to ensure the safety and comfort of attendees and to plan for a possible cancellation, postponement or curtailment. Unexpected changes in weather can impact the success of the event and pose a risk to attendees. In this section, we will discuss why monitoring the weather is important and some of the weather monitor products and services that event planners can use to stay informed. Most notably event cancellation insurance for adverse weather at events.

Why Monitor the Weather at Your Event?

There are several reasons why monitoring the weather is important when hosting an outdoor event. Firstly, extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or thunderstorms, can pose a risk to attendees, staff, and equipment. By monitoring the weather, event planners can take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of attendees and mitigate any potential risks. Secondly, changes in weather conditions can impact the success of the event. For example, high temperatures or heavy rain can affect attendance and the overall enjoyment of the event. By monitoring the weather, event planners can adjust plans accordingly and ensure that attendees have a positive experience.

Weather Monitor Products and Services

There are a variety of weather monitor products and services available for event planners to use. Here are a few examples:

Weather Apps:

Weather apps, such as MET Office (UK Only, are easily accessible and can provide up-to-date weather forecasts for the event location. These apps can be installed on smartphones and tablets, making it easy to monitor the weather on-the-go. These accessible tools should be used by anyone organising an outdoor event.

Weather Stations:

Weather stations are devices that can be installed at the event location to provide accurate and real-time weather data. They can provide information on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. Some weather stations also offer alerts when there are significant changes in weather conditions. Such equipment should be in use at event sites where the safety of temporary structures needs to be monitored. 

Weather Services:

There are several weather services that provide customised weather reports for specific locations and events. These services can provide advanced notice of potential weather risks, such as high winds or thunderstorms, and offer advice on appropriate safety measures. These services are usually only available on a commercial basis, and so may be more suited to larger events.

Lightning Detection Systems:

Lightning detection systems can be installed at the event location to provide alerts when lightning is detected within a certain radius. These systems can help event planners ensure the safety of attendees and staff by allowing them to take appropriate safety measures.

Managing adverse weather risks to an outdoor event is a multifaceted process. By accounting for site selection, seasonality, temporary structures, ground conditions, human health, and weather monitoring, you will formulate a robust weather management plan. Most events should record this in their Event Management Plan. A wealth of information to support this process is available online, and many events would benefit from the advice of a specialist. 

Hear about real life stories of organising events, the required insurance for events, the times when things have gone wrong and the behind the scenes madness that every event organiser will relate to, on Freddie's podcast, WHEN SH*T GOES WRONG AT EVENTS.