WeatherStrategy LLC

The weather at two events this past weekend shows the need for someone to be the “weather manager” especially when there are a number of people who can be impacted. We are defining “weather manager” as someone who has the responsibility to keep track of the weather and how it may impact an event, business or organization.

We experienced both ends of the impact spectrum this weekend. On the positive side, The Masters Tournament proactively moved the Sunday part of the tournament ahead of expected inclement weather. The PGA does have meteorologists on-site and the decisions that were made on Saturday worked best for all on Sunday considering the threat of severe storms on Sunday afternoon in Augusta, Georgia.

Sadly, a cultural festival in Northeast Texas had a different outcome. The festival was impacted by two different storms and suffered a direct hit from a tornado. One person died and at least 25 people were injured. It was well communicated in advance that severe weather was possible for this area at the time of the festival. It is unknown whether someone had the responsibility to watch the weather and whether contingency plans were defined ahead of time. They did cancel one part of the event in advance based on the forecast so there was some level of weather awareness but one wonders if they did enough (especially on the day of the event).

Both cases show the need for at least someone to be the “weather manager”. In many cases, businesses, organizations or events need access at some level to a meteorologist. At the very least, someone needs to have the responsibility to be the “weather manager” to monitor the weather for safety reasons, expense control and for income opportunities.