Weather forecasts are a lifesaver during the winter, but you should also know when to trust them. This is particularly true when it comes to snow removal – whether you have a commercial or residential property.
It is the job of meteorologists to read weather patterns and make predictions based on them, but if you don’t fully understand those predictions – or the likelihood that they’re accurate – then you may find yourself taking unnecessary pre-emptive steps to keep your outdoor paving, parking lots, and driveways free from ice and snow.
Earth Development uses the expertise of meteorologists to predict bad weather, saving you the hassle. But for those who want to keep track of the weather forecasts, we have some advice.
Here’s What You Don’t Do
Let’s start with a few simple things you definitely shouldn’t do.
Don't waste time looking at the weather forecast
First of all, don’t waste your time watching the weather reports and forecasts in detail. The color-coded graphics on the screen might look detailed, but they’re not. Take a look at the professional meteorologist websites and resources and you’ll see there’s much more to it.
It’s honestly easier to look out the window and see how many layers people are wearing outside.
Don't Trust Social Media
This is generally good advice for life, regardless of whether you’re interested in weather forecasts. Social media accounts often get things wrong, and the Chinese Whispers effect means that every online prediction gets gradually worse and less accurate every time it’s repeated.
The only way that social media can give you a good idea of the weather situation in your area is if accounts provide real-time video feeds or photographs of snowfall. Other than that, don’t believe what people say.
Ignore Long-Term Forecasts
Long-term forecasts are not reliable in the short term. They change very quickly, and they can change drastically. Remember that a temperature change of only one or two degrees could be the difference between snowfall and no snowfall.
So What Do You Do Instead?
Now you know the common pitfalls, consider our advice for making sure you know what the weather forecasts are saying.
Check Hourly Reports
Hourly reports are always better than long-term forecasts. They give you more accurate information and allow you to act accordingly.
If you have the equipment at home or at your business, always have that equipment ready so you can act quickly when it comes to deicing or removing snow.
Use A Search Engine and Apps
Rather than waiting on the weather forecasts on the TV, use a search engine or apps on your phone to find localized forecasts. These offer greater levels of detail and increased accuracy. If you see the graph show precipitation over 70%, then you can bet that it’s probably about to snow.
You Could Always Rely on the Experts, Instead
You can save yourself the hassle of always checking the weather forecasts and the news by simply entrusting your snow removal needs with the experts are Earth Development.
With more than 20 years of experience, and a huge team of experts throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and beyond, you can count on us to prepare your outdoor surfaces for the cold winter weather.
By utilizing a team of meteorologists, we accurately predict winter weather events and we take pre-emptive deicing action. Our team applies a range of deicing agents at your property and attends before, during, and after a snowfall.
We’ll be there even when you don’t know a storm is coming!
For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us online or over the phone. We’ll even give you a free quote.
