For athletes who compete outdoors, like mountain climbers and marathon runners, weather can make or break a successful event. Unpredictable conditions can derail months of training and preparation. The best competitors in these sports must develop a sixth sense when it comes to conditions monitoring.

The ability to prepare for and outsmart adverse weather conditions is critical to success in the outdoor sports world. Weather requires that athletes also become very adept meteorologists. However, modern technology can also help to level the playing field and give athletes a better shot at success.

The ability to monitor and track weather conditions in real-time is becoming increasingly more accessible. With new, modern technologies like sensors, interactive GPS maps, and smartphone applications, athletes are now much more informed than ever. In order to become true Weather Warriors, athletes have to learn to use these tools to their advantage.

Sensors

Using sensors, athletes can track temperature, humidity, wind speed, air pressure, precipitation, and air quality in real time. These sensors can be placed in many different locations around the athlete’s route for constant, reliable monitoring of the conditions. This data helps athletes determine the best times to compete as well as prepare for the conditions they may face.

GPS Maps

Interactive GPS maps provide athletes with an up-to-date view of their course. Not only do these maps provide visual and topographical information, they can also help athletes prepare for the conditions they will face. These maps allow athletes to see real-time forecasts of wind speed, air temperature, and chance of precipitation from various locations along their route.

Smartphone Applications

Smartphone applications like Weather Guardian and MyThermonome offer athletes a comprehensive suite of weather monitoring and alert systems. These applications allow athletes to track weather forecasts up to three days in advance and also send user-customized weather alerts to their phones when conditions become dangerous. By receiving alerts on imminent changes in weather conditions, athletes can rest assured that they are prepared for whatever may come their way.

The ability to monitor and track conditions is giving athletes more control over their sport. Weather Warriors are much better prepared when they use the technologies available to them. By becoming masters of monitoring weather conditions and outsmarting adverse forecasts, athletes stand a much better chance at success.