Weather technology has come a long way since the modern avatar of weather forecasting took shape in the 1830s. Today, you no longer have to rely on data from thermometers and barometers to check the day's weather. Nor do you have to check the television or radio every few hours for the latest weather updates.
Instead, you can use the internet to get a ton of useful weather data at your fingertips. From the current weather information to weekly and monthly weather forecasts - modern weather apps and websites offer a wide array of data.
Typically, weather intelligence platforms gather weather data from satellites and radar systems and use computer models to predict the weather. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning further improves the accuracy of these weather platforms.
However, the use of weather data isn't just limited to individuals. Businesses across various industries can utilize this information to improve their operations and stay resilient in extreme weather conditions. The advent of hyperlocal weather forecasts has further changed the way businesses use weather data.
In this blog, we'll delve deeper into the concept of hyperlocal weather forecasting and understand how it's helping businesses across the world. Let's get started.
Hyperlocal Weather Forecasts: A Closer Look
Typically, hyperlocal weather forecasting relies on turning closer-to-ground infrastructure into virtual weather sensors. This involves gathering weather data from devices, such as:
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Street cameras
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Connected cars
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Smart garbage bins
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Airplanes
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Drones
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Cellphone towers
Data from these closer-to-ground sources helps weather intelligence platforms offer accurate weather information and forecasts for specific locations, such as neighborhoods, airports, mining sites, and even residential buildings.
For instance, ClimaCell's forecast site provides you with specific weather data for any location you select. You no longer have to limit your search to standard cities and provinces. Instead, you can check what the weather is going to be like in your particular neighborhood.
Apart from the current temperature and precipitation levels, ClimaCell's weather site provides you with other useful data, including:
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Air quality index
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Pollen index
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Visibility index
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5-day weather forecast
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Wind speed
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Hourly weather breakdown
Unlike traditional weather predictions, hyperlocal weather forecasts are more accurate and relevant to the area where your business is operating. This, in turn, gives you a deeper insight into how the weather is going to affect your operations.
Hyperlocal weather data is commonly used by businesses in the following industries:
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Aviation
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Construction
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Mining
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Agriculture
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Event management
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Facility management
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Military
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Healthcare
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Insurance
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Transportation
However, even if your organization doesn't belong to these industries, you can still utilize hyperlocal weather forecasts to your advantage. Let's find out how.
Key Benefits of Using Hyperlocal Weather Forecasts
Hyperlocal weather data eliminates the need to rely on generic weather data and therefore, facilitates intelligent business decision-making. Here are the most crucial benefits of using hyperlocal weather forecasts for your business:
1. Smart Resource Utilization
Does your business rely on natural resources, such as water, wind, sunlight, etc.? While these resources are available in abundance, they're also seasonal in nature and depend on fluctuating weather conditions.
Wouldn't it be great if you could know in advance how the weather is going to affect the availability of these resources? This, in turn, could help you better prepare for a scarcity of resources. It's exactly what hyperlocal weather data helps you accomplish.
For instance, if you're running an agriculture farm, you'll want to know whether there's an impending drought in your area. If you already have this information, you can arrange suitable alternatives for irrigated water. Or you can plant crops that require less water to sustain.
2. Optimized Business Operations
Instead of aiming in the dark, you can use relevant weather data to inform your business decision-making process. For instance, if you're running a facility management firm, knowing that a sandstorm or duststorm is coming can help you better plan your operations.
When you know a storm is approaching, you can hold routine maintenance of a property until after the storm passes. This saves you both time and money and ultimately, boosts productivity and revenue.
3. Guaranteed Employee Safety
Protecting your human resources is one of the topmost priorities for any business owner. This is especially crucial for businesses in industries, such as aviation, construction, mining, etc.
Getting an insight into extreme weather conditions in advance can help you issue timely alerts to employees and workers. This, in turn, ensures they aren't left alone to work in dangerous weather conditions.
4. Improved Business Continuity
Deep knowledge of the local weather will help you prepare for any disasters and calamities in advance. For instance, if you know precisely when a tornado is going to hit your neighborhood, you can accordingly advise employees to work from home.
Also, you can start taking suitable measures to protect physical assets, such as office buildings, equipment, etc. This can go a long way to ensure that your business operations are minimally interrupted by bad weather.
5. Personalized Marketing
Hyperlocal weather data comes in handy when you're planning seasonal marketing campaigns. Knowing what turns the weather is going to take can help you tailor your messaging, product features, and promotional offers for maximum traction.
In what capacity does your business use hyperlocal weather forecasts? Share your experience in the comments section below.
