The 10-minute weather checklist for outdoor events

48 hours out: the go/no-go call

Two days out is your last clean decision window. Run through this:

1. Rain probability over 60%? Book the backup venue. Get tarps and a pop-up canopy ready.
2. Wind gusts over 35 km/h? Anchor or skip the marquee. Tape down anything light.
3. Temperature over 32°C? Shade tents, extra water (3 litres per person), salty snacks.
4. Temperature under 12°C? Heaters, blankets, a hot drinks station.
5. UV index over 8? Sunscreen station, hats for guests, shade for the elderly.
6. AQI over 100? Consider postponing if anyone has asthma. Have N95s for hosts.
7. Humidity over 75%? Food spoils faster, drinks need way more ice.
8. Storm warning? Plan a clear "everyone inside" trigger. Tell the guests in advance.
9. Sunset time? Plan lights or candles for the transition.
10. Wet weeks plus warm humid evenings? Mosquitoes will come. Repellent is non-negotiable.

Day-of essentials kit

• Heavy-duty bin liners (emergency ponchos)
• Tape and zip ties (for everything)
• Three power banks (phones die fast)
• Extra ice (always more than you think)
• A printed map of the venue with the rain plan marked

Reading the sky on the day

Rising temperature plus dropping pressure means a storm is building. Sudden drop in temperature plus gusty wind means a front is passing through. If thunder is within 15 seconds of lightning, the storm is under 5km away. Move people inside now, not in a minute.

Vendor conversations

Always ask suppliers their inclement-weather policy two weeks ahead. Caterers, photographers, and DJs each have different rain-plan terms. Get them in writing.

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