How do you prefer to check the weather? Do you wait for the daily newscast where the local weatherman reads the weather forecast for the day? Or do you use your phone to instantly check the temperature, wind speed, precipitation, and other details whenever you’re going out?
Here’s the thing – meteorology has come a long way since its inception. You’re no longer solely dependent on weather data from tools, such as rain gauges, anemometers, barometers, etc. Instead, modern technology has made it possible to access weather-related information anywhere in the world.
The Transformation of Weather Technology
Today, meteorologists have access to a wide array of tools, such as Doppler radar and geostationary satellites. This, in turn, helps them collect reliable weather-related information from any corner of the globe.
Also, they can use sophisticated AI-driven algorithms to generate accurate weather forecasts based on historical weather data. The best part is that you can access the live weather forecast down to the minute and hour, as long as you’re connected to the internet.
It was only a matter of time before weather technology took the next leap and ventured into hyperlocal weather forecasting. If you’ve installed a weather app on your phone, chances are you’re already using hyperlocal weather forecasts in some capacity.
In this blog, we’ll explore the world of hyperlocal weather forecasts and highlight their benefits. Let’s get started.
Decoding Hyperlocal Weather Forecasts
Traditionally, weather intelligence platforms would collect weather-related information from distribution radar and satellite systems. While it’s useful for gathering data from remote corners of the world, it limits the scope of weather forecasts to wider geographic regions, such as cities and states.
However, these generic weather forecasts don’t delve into the details of how the weather is going to change in a specific street or neighborhood. This type of granular information can empower businesses to inform their decision-making process and ensure employee safety.
Also, it can help them prepare for an unprecedented scarcity of natural resources, such as water and wind. Hyperlocal weather forecasts help you achieve this by converting on-ground infrastructure into weather sensors.
Instead of solely relying on radar and satellites, new-age weather intelligence platforms collect data from closer-to-ground sources, such as:
- Street cameras
- Connected cars
- Drones
- Airplanes
- Smart dustbins
- Cell phone towers
For instance, a weather app can use street cameras installed throughout a neighborhood to collect data related to precipitation and visibility. Likewise, connected cars can relay information about fog-light and wiper usage to their manufacturers.
Also, any interruption in the transmission of cellular signals could indicate the arrival of extreme weather events, such as blizzards, hurricanes, cyclones, etc. Aggregating data from these closer-to-ground devices lets weather apps make accurate forecasts for a specific location, such as a neighborhood, street, or even building.
Do You Need Hyperlocal Weather Forecasts?
It’s 2021 and if you’re still wondering whether you should use hyperlocal weather forecasting, you’re likely living under a rock. Instead of contemplating whether you need it, you should figure out ways to start leveraging the technology in your personal and professional lives.
Whether you’re a busy homemaker, self-employed professional, or business owner, you can use hyperlocal weather forecasts in various ways. As an individual, you can use accurate weather data about your residential neighborhood to better plan your day.
You can even check the weather forecast whenever you’re planning a holiday in an unfamiliar destination. Likewise, you can check the day’s weather and decide if it’s a good idea to go hiking in the nearby state park.
However, the application of hyperlocal weather data isn’t just restricted to individuals. If you’re an entrepreneur, you can use this type of specific weather information to empower your business.
Hyperlocal weather forecasts come in handy in a broad spectrum of industries, including:
- Aviation
- Construction
- Agriculture
- Transportation
- Tourism
- Event management
- Facility management
- Outdoor photography
- Film production
This is because hyperlocal weather forecasting can help you monitor changes in weather for a specific location, such as an agricultural farm, construction site, stadium, film locations, etc. This data will come in handy when you’re deciding whether it’s safe for your employees to commute to the workplace on a particular day.
Likewise, you can track the development of inclement weather conditions to decide the best approach to maintain business continuity in such situations. If you know when a cyclone will make landfall, you can alert your staff to vacate the premises while there’s still time.
Is your organization using hyperlocal weather forecasts to optimize business operations and revenue? Share your experience in the comments section below.