Weather forecasting and why accuracy and precision are so important

Correct temperature and weather forecasting isn’t witchcraft – it’s based on the bringing together of meteorology science and technology. OUTCO utilises the latest and very best winter forecasting technology to ensure client sites are kept safe, compliant and operational, even during the harshest of winters.

The forecast information provided to us is quality controlled by a team of expert meteorologists to ensure the highest level of accuracy possible. Our weather forecasting has consistently surpassed targets set by the Highways Agency, boasting an impressive 97.8% reporting accuracy in comparison to Highways England’s 85%.

Difference between winter gritting and snow clearance

Winter gritting is a preventative measure and to be effective, winter salt needs to be applied before temperatures drop to keep sites ice-free and operating as normal.

Snow Clearance, on the other hand, needs to be carried out in response to a snow fall, or as close to the end of the snow fall as possible, taking into account the operational requirements of individual sites.

Effective winter services

OUTCO use the latest in available forecasting technology in conjunction with our own bespoke tech-platform NIMBUS to deliver an exceptional award-winning service that has been tried and tested in the toughest of winter conditions. Successfully delivering our winter services means we are heavily reliant on forecast accuracy to be able to be at the right place at the right time.

Road temperature forecasting

OUTCO is the only facilities company to offer a completely dedicated winter forecasting service to the private gritting sector based on road, not air temperatures.

Weather forecasting technology

Our current forecast model provides forecasts in weather domains (areas) for over 450 individual weather locations and has been tailored specifically to give a clear indication of risk throughout the country taking into account location, urbanisation, elevation and the constant push and pull of relevant frontal and weather systems surrounding the UK.

Our models are an essential combination of real-time and historical weather observations including SYNOP METAR, KLIM, sea buoy, weather reporting vessels, weather reporting offshore installations, power stations, wind farms as well as road weather information systems.

Daily forecasts are derived from worldwide weather observations from approximately 12,000 different locations including around 500 roadside weather stations in the UK.

Accuracy of forecast is key to our operation, this ensures our clients can be confident that service will always be provided at the right time, when it is required most.

Our advice couldn’t be simpler: don’t wait until it gets cold before booking your winter services.

Keep your customers safe and book your winter services

Our advice couldn’t be simpler: don’t wait until it gets cold before booking your winter services.

To find out how we can work together, or to obtain a free winter gritting quote or site inspection, please contact us today.