The most inaccurate weather forecast in history
Weather forecasts are notoriously inaccurate, but this one is really pushing the envelope.
I'm off to Newfoundland next week so I thought I'd check in at The Weather Network to get an updated forecast. Apparently it will be around 4 degrees celcius this evening, dipping to a low of -48C tonite before warming up to a balmy -45C Sunday afternoon.
How does one pack for a high of minus 45? And shouldn't the weather network be making a bigger deal out of a forecast that would deliver the coldest temperatures ever recorded in June in Canada?
Fortunately, I have friends in Newfoundland and I know it's a heck of a lot warmer than -45C right now. But how many people, as part of their travel planning, surf over to the weather network and get an inaccurate forecast that sends them running off to a different destination?
In the age of instant access to information, accuracy becomes hugely important. Something as seemingly innocent as a software glitch in a weather website can result in lost sales, misinformed consumers and have a negative impact on your destination's overall image.
P.S. I hit refresh and got a more accurate(?) forecast of 10C for Sunday afternoon. I took that extra step because the original forecast was so obviously wrong. But if it has only been off by 10 degrees or shown rain instead of sun, it still would have had an impact on my impression of the destination and I would have been none the wiser.
Stay tuned for The Weather Network's new 55 degree guarantee.
I'm off to Newfoundland next week so I thought I'd check in at The Weather Network to get an updated forecast. Apparently it will be around 4 degrees celcius this evening, dipping to a low of -48C tonite before warming up to a balmy -45C Sunday afternoon.
How does one pack for a high of minus 45? And shouldn't the weather network be making a bigger deal out of a forecast that would deliver the coldest temperatures ever recorded in June in Canada?
Fortunately, I have friends in Newfoundland and I know it's a heck of a lot warmer than -45C right now. But how many people, as part of their travel planning, surf over to the weather network and get an inaccurate forecast that sends them running off to a different destination?
In the age of instant access to information, accuracy becomes hugely important. Something as seemingly innocent as a software glitch in a weather website can result in lost sales, misinformed consumers and have a negative impact on your destination's overall image.
P.S. I hit refresh and got a more accurate(?) forecast of 10C for Sunday afternoon. I took that extra step because the original forecast was so obviously wrong. But if it has only been off by 10 degrees or shown rain instead of sun, it still would have had an impact on my impression of the destination and I would have been none the wiser.
Stay tuned for The Weather Network's new 55 degree guarantee.
You touch on a very important point Steve. Accuracy of information on the Web (and Web 2.0). Being an open global forum, the Web provides both information and disinformation. Software glitches may lose sales as you point out, but also misinformation by unhappy travelers or pranksters. This is where I believe the best combination to have on the net is official expertise combined with regular people/travelers' experiences (and good branding that creates credibility, of course). If you're planning a trip wouldn't you like to be able to go into a social network site where you can see official information as well as ask local friends about local conditions?
Good to read a new post on your blog. Don't take so much time between posts - always interested in them
Have a good trip to the rock.
Jaime Horwitz
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