Weather Planning Resources
Weather conditions can significantly affect crowd behaviour, movement, welfare and the safe operation of outdoor events. To support more effective crowd management and event planning, GCMA has brought together this collection of weather-focused guidance, planning tools and instructional articles relevant to festivals, concerts, sporting events and other mass gatherings. Shared in partnership with DTN, the collection is intended to help organisers and crowd management professionals anticipate weather-related risks, strengthen contingency arrangements and make informed operational decisions.
Reference Guides
WeatherWise: A Forecast Glossary for Crowd Managers
Published by: Global Growd Management Alliance, DTN
Region: Global
Resource type: Reference Guide
Link: WeatherWise: A Forecast Glossary for Crowd Managers
A practical glossary designed to help crowd managers and event professionals better understand the terminology used in weather forecasts and seasonal outlooks. Produced by GCMA in collaboration with DTN, it explains key forecasting concepts, climate drivers, regional patterns and weather models in plain language, with a focus on why each matters when planning and managing crowds.
Core Standards and Event-Industry Guidance
Foundational standards and broad industry guides for written weather plans, emergency arrangements, temporary structures and crowded-place safety.
ANSI ES1.7-2021: Event Safety — Weather Preparedness
Published by: Entertainment Services and Technology Association and Event Safety Alliance; approved by the American National Standards Institute
Region: United States, with broader international relevance
Resource type: Voluntary consensus standard
Link: https://tsp.esta.org/tsp/documents/docs/ANSI%20ES1.7-2021.pdf
This is the principal American National Standard specifically addressing weather preparedness at live events.
The standard requires an event-specific written weather preparedness plan and addresses:
Site climate profiles.
Long-range forecasts, short-range forecasts and nowcasting.
Event-specific weather risk assessments.
Monitoring distances and action thresholds.
The time required to complete protective actions.
Show-stop and evacuation decision-making.
Coordination with forecasting services.
Public and internal communications.
Designated decision-makers and clearly defined responsibilities.
Temporary structures and site-specific vulnerabilities.
The relationship between weather planning and other emergency systems.
The standard’s central principle is that protective actions should be based on both the expected hazard and the amount of time required to communicate with and protect the event population.
As of 20 July 2026, the formally published edition remains ANSI ES1.7-2021. A proposed revision was placed into public review during 2026, so organisers should periodically check the ESTA standards page for a superseding edition.
The Event Safety Guide
Published by: Event Safety Alliance
Region: United States and international
Resource type: Comprehensive live-event safety guide
Link: https://eventsafetyalliance.org/s/TheEventSafetyGuide.pdf
The Event Safety Guide is written specifically for people who plan, produce and operate live events. Its 39 chapters address emergency planning, weather preparedness, communications, crowd management, site design, temporary structures, rigging, medical provision and other event-safety subjects.
Its weather content is particularly useful when read alongside the ANSI weather standard. The guide helps organisers translate broader safety principles into event-management practices and provides context for how weather decisions affect production, audiences, workers, structures and emergency operations.
The current edition is available as a free PDF through the Event Safety Alliance website. Work on a second edition has been underway, so organisers should check the ESA website for updates.
The Purple Guide
Published by: Events Industry Forum
Region: United Kingdom
Resource type: Live-event industry guidance
Current chapter publication date: 26 January 2026
Link: https://www.thepurpleguide.co.uk
The Purple Guide is one of the principal sources of UK event-industry safety guidance. It provides practical information for organisers, venues, suppliers, contractors and others involved in planning and delivering live events.
Its chapters address a wide range of operational and safety subjects, including contingency planning, communications, crowd management, welfare, medical provision, temporary demountable structures and adverse weather.
The Weather chapter covers:
Weather planning.
Severe-weather warnings.
Sun exposure.
Cold and wet-weather exposure.
Wind.
Lightning.
Monitoring forecasts before and during an event.
Flooded or waterlogged event sites.
Attendee information.
Event postponement and cancellation.
Weather chapter:
https://www.thepurpleguide.co.uk/weather
Access to the full chapters requires a Purple Guide subscription.
Safe and Healthy Crowded Places Handbook
Published by: Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience
Region: Australia
Resource type: National crowded-places and mass-gathering guidance
Link: https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/handbook-safe-and-healthy-crowded-places/
This nationally recognised handbook provides an all-hazards framework for festivals, concerts, sporting events, public spaces and other crowded places.
Topics include:
Risk management.
Site and venue planning.
Communications.
Incident and emergency planning.
Public health.
Crowd safety.
Evacuation and sheltering.
Stakeholder coordination.
Decision-making before and during an emergency.
Weather is addressed as part of the wider event risk and emergency-management system rather than as a standalone technical subject. The handbook is therefore useful for ensuring that weather procedures are properly integrated with event control, emergency communications, medical response and public-safety arrangements.
Supporting checklists and quick-reference guides are also available through the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience.
General and Multi-Hazard Event Weather Planning
Event-focused planning guides, templates and instructional articles covering several weather hazards and the decisions, communications and protective actions they may require.
National Weather Service Event Ready Guide
Published by: US National Weather Service
Region: United States
Resource type: Event-specific planning guide and operational tools
Main page: https://www.weather.gov/crh/eventready
Direct guide: https://www.weather.gov/media/crh/eventready/Event_Ready_Guide.pdf
The Event Ready Guide is one of the most practical government resources available for outdoor-event weather planning.
It encourages organisers to answer four fundamental questions:
Which weather hazards could affect the event?
What sheltering or evacuation options are available?
How will people be alerted?
How long will notification and protective movement take?
The guide introduces the role of a designated Weather Liaison, who maintains contact with the local National Weather Service office and communicates relevant information to event decision-makers.
Supporting resources include:
Forecast-product explanations.
Thunderstorm, flash-flood and excessive-heat information.
Basic radar interpretation.
Weather Liaison training.
An evacuation and sheltering decision tool.
Guidance on incorporating notification and movement time into decisions.
The decision tool can help organisers estimate the latest point at which a protective action should begin. It is a planning aid and should not replace professional judgement, official warnings or direct support from a meteorologist or National Weather Service office.
Weather Safety at Venues and Public Gatherings
Published by: American Meteorological Society
Region: United States / International
Resource type: Professional position statement and planning guidance
Link: Weather Safety at Venues and Public Gatherings
A strategic resource explaining the responsibilities of venue operators and event organisers when preparing for hazardous weather.
It recommends identifying locally relevant hazards, obtaining reliable weather information, establishing decision-making authority and creating clear procedures for sheltering, evacuation, delay or cancellation.
Topics covered include:
Hazard identification
Professional weather services
Decision-making responsibilities
Emergency procedures
Shelter and evacuation
Public communication
Weather Safety at Summer Events
Published by: American Meteorological Society
Region: United States / International
Resource type: Guidance article
Link: Weather Safety at Summer Events
An accessible introduction to the principal weather hazards affecting outdoor events, including lightning, high winds, hail, flooding, tornadoes and extreme heat.
The article encourages organisers to identify the hazards most likely to affect their location and establish plans for monitoring conditions, communicating with attendees and responding when conditions become unsafe.
Topics covered include:
Severe thunderstorms and lightning
High winds and hail
Flooding and tornadoes
Extreme heat
Weather monitoring
Attendee communication
National Weather Service Outdoor Event Weather Preparedness
Published by: US National Weather Service
Region: United States
Resource type: Event-planning resource collection
Link: https://www.weather.gov/otx/Outdoor_Event_Weather_Preparedness
This resource brings together information on hazards that may affect outdoor venues, including:
Lightning.
Tornadoes.
Wind and hail.
Wildfires.
Flooding.
Heat and drought.
Winter storms.
Cold-weather hazards.
It is useful as a general reference page for event safety teams and can help planners identify weather hazards that may otherwise be omitted from an event risk assessment.
National Weather Service Weather Safety for Outdoor Events
Published by: US National Weather Service
Region: United States
Resource type: Event checklist and preparedness guidance
Link: https://www.weather.gov/crp/outdoor_safety
This event-specific resource recommends that organisers:
Establish a safety officer.
Monitor the weather.
maintain contact with emergency management and the local National Weather Service office.
Identify and mark shelter locations.
Determine when protective action must begin.
Establish thresholds for postponement or cancellation.
Understand the wind limits of stages, tents and portable structures.
Prepare public communications.
Practise the plan before the event.
It is particularly useful as a basic audit checklist when reviewing an event weather plan.
FEMA Special Events Contingency Planning
Published by: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Region: United States
Resource type: Course, planning manual and event job aids
Course page: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-15.b&lang=en
Interactive course and resources: https://emilms.fema.gov/is_0015b/
FEMA’s Special Events Contingency Planning course and accompanying Job Aids Manual address:
Formation of the event-planning team.
Hazard and vulnerability assessment.
Venue assessment.
Emergency communications.
Public-safety responsibilities.
Incident command.
Planning checklists.
Contingency arrangements.
Shelter and evacuation considerations.
The material is not exclusively about weather, but it provides a useful framework for integrating severe weather into a wider event emergency plan.
The course was originally issued in 2013, so it should be used as a planning framework rather than as a source of current weather thresholds or regulatory requirements.
Managing Risks at Events
Published by: WorkSafe New Zealand
Region: New Zealand
Resource type: Event health-and-safety guidance
Link: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/event-management/managing-risks-at-events/
This guide is intended for event organisers, venue managers, suppliers, contractors and others responsible for event health and safety.
It specifically identifies weather as an event hazard and prompts organisers to consider:
Forecast conditions throughout the event.
Extreme temperatures.
Hot- and cold-weather refuge areas.
Wet, icy or slippery surfaces.
Reduced visibility caused by fog.
Structures and barriers exposed to high winds.
Flooded or damaged emergency-access routes.
The effects of weather on workers and contractors.
The guidance applies New Zealand’s hierarchy of controls to event planning and recognises that postponement or cancellation may be necessary when high winds, flooding or extreme temperatures cannot be adequately controlled.
World Rugby Weather Conditions Guidance
Published by: World Rugby
Region: International
Resource type: Tournament and match-day weather guidance
Link: https://passport.world.rugby/match-day-staff/tournament-manager-programme/second-steps/weather-conditions/
World Rugby provides operational guidance to help tournament and match personnel prepare for adverse weather.
The guidance addresses:
Advance forecast checks.
Communication between tournament, venue and team personnel.
Heat and cold exposure.
Lightning.
Participant and official shelter.
Warming and cooling areas.
Securing lightweight equipment in high winds.
Decision-making based on available weather information.
Match suspension, postponement and resumption.
Supporting tournament resources include operational checklists, crisis-meeting structures and example public-address announcements. Although written for rugby, the decision-making and communication principles can be adapted to festivals, concerts and other outdoor events.
World Athletics Health and Science Resources
Published by: World Athletics
Region: International
Resource type: Competition medical and environmental guidance
Link: https://worldathletics.org/about-iaaf/documents/health-science
World Athletics publishes medical and environmental guidance for stadium competitions, road races, endurance events and mass-participation events.
Relevant planning principles include:
Monitoring environmental conditions.
Incorporating weather into the medical risk assessment.
Scaling medical provision according to forecast conditions.
Protecting participants, officials, staff and spectators.
Establishing weather-related contingency measures.
Coordinating decisions through a unified command structure.
Planning for heat, cold, air quality and other environmental risks.
The resources focus primarily on participant health and medical provision. They are therefore most useful as a supplement to broader event weather and emergency-management guidance.
Heat Planning for Events and Mass Gatherings
Guidance specifically addressing heat risk at festivals, concerts, sporting events, community gatherings and other public events.
Hot Weather Advice: Mass Gatherings and Planning Events
Published by: UK Health Security Agency and Centre for Climate and Health Security
Region: England
Resource type: Event-planning guidance and checklist
Link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hot-weather-advice-mass-gatherings-and-planning-events
This is one of the most directly relevant resources available for live-event organisers. It addresses the inclusion of hot weather in event risk assessments and covers drinking water, shade, queues, welfare facilities, medical provision, staff preparedness and attendee communications.
The guidance also recognises event-specific factors such as dancing, alcohol and recreational drug consumption, reluctance to leave viewing positions, extended queuing and the difficulty of responding to illness in large crowds.
Outdoor Events and Extreme Heat
Published by: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Region: United States
Resource type: Event-specific heat planning and decision guidance
Link: https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/emergency-preparedness/heat-during-outdoor-events.page
This resource provides practical recommendations for outdoor events based on forecast heat-index levels. Measures include increasing water and shade, modifying activities, extending breaks, strengthening medical provision, reducing alcohol availability and considering relocation, postponement or cancellation when conditions become especially dangerous. It also prompts organisers to consider timing, event duration, surface materials, direct sunlight, participant exertion and the presence of people at increased risk. The thresholds are specific to New York City and should not automatically replace local guidance elsewhere, but the planning structure is widely adaptable.
Extreme Heat Guidelines and Sports Heat Tool
Published by: Sports Medicine Australia
Region: Australia
Resource type: Activity-specific risk assessment tool and guidelines
Link: https://sma.org.au/resources/policies-and-guidelines/hot-weather/
The Sports Heat Tool combines weather information with the type and intensity of activity being undertaken. It generates a risk level and suggested controls, including hydration, additional breaks, changes to activity and suspension or cancellation.
Although primarily designed for sport, it is useful for events involving performers, dancers, marching participants, runners, crew members or other people undertaking sustained physical activity.
Advancing Heat-Health Preparedness During Mass Gatherings: Practical Tools
Published by: World Health Organization
Region: International
Resource type: Public-health guidance and planning resource
Link: Advancing Heat-Health Preparedness During Mass Gatherings
A globally focused resource addressing heat-health preparedness at festivals, sporting events, religious gatherings, elections and other large public occasions.
It emphasises coordinated planning between event organisers, public-health authorities, emergency services and other stakeholders.
Topics covered include:
Mass-gathering heat risk
Public-health coordination
Vulnerable populations
Heat-health action plans
Risk communication
Medical preparedness
International good practice
Keeping Fans Safe in a Warming World: A Growing Challenge for Outdoor Events
Published by: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Region: United States / International
Resource type: Educational feature article
Link: Keeping Fans Safe in a Warming World
An in-depth feature examining the growing challenge of heat exposure at outdoor sporting and entertainment events.
The article encourages organisers to consider the characteristics of their venue, audience and event schedule rather than relying solely on general heat warnings.
Topics covered include:
Spectator heat exposure
Venue-specific risk
Audience demographics
Heat forecasting
Operational planning
Cooling and hydration
Climate trends
Extreme Heat and Heatwave Resources for the Community
Published by: Western Australia Department of Health
Region: Australia
Resource type: Collection of public-health resources
Link: Extreme Heat and Heatwave Resources
A collection of heat-related materials for event organisers, outdoor workers, community organisations and members of the public.The separate materials for different audiences make the collection useful when developing coordinated messaging for attendees, workers, volunteers and partner organisations.
Topics covered include:
Event heat planning
Outdoor worker safety
Community preparedness
Heat-related illness
Hydration and cooling
Public information materials
Heat Monitoring and Organisational Preparedness
Forecasting tools, health-risk dashboards and planning frameworks for establishing heat thresholds, alert systems, escalation arrangements and organisational response plans.
National Weather Service Heat Safety Resources
Published by: US National Weather Service
Region: United States
Resource type: Forecasting information, warning explanations and educational materials
Link: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat
This resource explains heat-related warnings, watches and advisories and provides information about heat index, HeatRisk and heat illness. It can help event organisers understand official forecast terminology and incorporate weather alerts into event monitoring and escalation procedures.
National Weather Service Heat Forecast Tools
Published by: US National Weather Service
Region: United States
Resource type: Forecast and decision-support tools
Link: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-index
This page brings together heat-index information, HeatRisk forecasts and other heat-monitoring tools. It is particularly useful during the planning period and in event control when teams need to monitor how conditions are expected to develop.
CDC HeatRisk Dashboard
Published by: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in partnership with the National Weather Service
Region: United States
Resource type: Location-based heat-risk dashboard
Link: https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/HeatRisk/
Users can enter a location to view a seven-day, health-based heat-risk forecast and recommended protective actions. The tool also incorporates air-quality information, making it useful when heat and wildfire smoke or other air-quality concerns occur together.
Unlike a simple temperature threshold, HeatRisk considers the expected health effects of heat in a particular location and at a particular time of year.
CDC Heat and Health Tracker
Published by: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Region: United States
Resource type: Public-health data and planning tool
Link: https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/heatTracker/
The tracker provides local information about extreme heat, heat-related illness and populations that may be especially vulnerable. It can support advance risk assessments, particularly when organisers need to understand community-level vulnerability rather than relying on the forecast alone.
Heat Alert and Response Systems to Protect Health: Best Practices Guidebook
Published by: Health Canada
Region: Canada
Resource type: Comprehensive heat alert and response planning guide
Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/climate-change-health/heat-alert-response-systems-protect-health-best-practices-guidebook.html
This detailed guide addresses five core areas: alert protocols, community response plans, communications plans, evaluation and community engagement. It is particularly useful for organisations developing formal decision-making structures, defining who receives alerts, determining when actions are activated and coordinating with local authorities and community partners.
Protecting Event Workers and Volunteers from Heat
Workplace controls and assessment tools for production crews, security personnel, stewards, caterers, contractors, volunteers and others working in hot conditions.
Working in Outdoor and Indoor Heat Environments
Published by: US Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Region: United States
Resource type: Workplace heat-safety guidance
Link: https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/
This resource provides guidance on developing a workplace heat-illness prevention programme. It covers hazard recognition, acclimatisation, work and rest schedules, hydration, training, emergency response, personal risk factors and controls for indoor and outdoor work. It is particularly relevant to event build, production, security, stewarding, catering, cleaning, parking, transport and breakdown crews.
Water. Rest. Shade.
Published by: US Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Region: United States
Resource type: Practical workplace controls
Link: https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/water-rest-shade
This guidance provides practical recommendations for supplying cool drinking water, electrolyte-containing fluids during longer periods of work, appropriate rest breaks and cool or shaded recovery areas. It also explains that the frequency and duration of breaks should increase as heat stress rises and that event workers should not rely on thirst alone as an indication that they need fluids.
OSHA Heat Stress Calculator
Published by: US Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Region: United States
Resource type: Workplace heat-risk calculator
Link: https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/calculator
The calculator assists employers in assessing whether heat stress may exceed recommended limits. It takes into account factors such as Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, workload, clothing and acclimatisation. It is more suitable for assessing working conditions than attendee conditions and may be useful for production managers, safety personnel and contractors overseeing physically demanding work.
Heat and Outdoor Workers
Published by: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Region: United States
Resource type: Worker guidance
Link: https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-factors/heat-and-outdoor-workers.html
This resource provides accessible advice for people working outside, including recognising symptoms, taking breaks, staying hydrated and stopping activity when feeling faint or weak. It may be suitable for inclusion in crew briefings or distribution to temporary workers and volunteers.
Heat Communications, Cooling and Medical Response
Public information materials, cooling-centre guidance and resources for recognising and responding to heat-related illness.
Beat the Heat: Hot Weather Advice
Published by: UK Health Security Agency
Region: England
Resource type: Public guidance, posters and accessible communications
Link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/beat-the-heat-hot-weather-advice
This collection includes public advice, posters, easy-read materials, British Sign Language videos and translated resources. It covers planning ahead, hydration, keeping cool, recognising heat exhaustion and heatstroke and identifying people at increased risk. Event organisers can link to these materials in pre-event emails, websites, apps and social media or adapt the messages for screens, signage and public-address announcements.
Extreme Heat Safety Checklist
Published by: American Red Cross
Region: United States
Resource type: Downloadable public checklist
Web page: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/extreme-heat-safety.html
Direct checklist: https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/pdfs/heat/EN_Extreme-Heat-Safety-Checklist.pdf
The checklist provides plain-language information about preparing for extreme heat, remaining hydrated, finding cool locations and recognising heat-related emergencies. It is suitable for attendee information, staff awareness and community outreach.
CDC Extreme Heat Communications Materials
Published by: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Region: United States
Resource type: Infographics, fact sheets and social-media graphics
Link: https://www.cdc.gov/climate-health/php/resources/protect-yourself-from-the-dangers-of-extreme-heat.html
This collection includes downloadable graphics and messages covering hydration, staying informed, recognising heat illness and protecting people at increased risk. The materials can support event social media, digital screens, staff briefings and pre-event communications.
Heat-Related Illnesses and First Aid
Published by: US Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Region: United States
Resource type: Symptoms and first-aid guidance
Link: https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/illness-first-aid
This resource explains the signs of heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and other heat-related conditions, along with recommended immediate actions. It can support staff training and emergency planning, although event medical protocols should always be developed with the appointed medical provider and local emergency services.
Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Published by: American Red Cross
Region: United States
Resource type: First-aid guidance
Link: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/learn-first-aid/heat-exhaustion
This resource provides accessible guidance on identifying and responding to heat exhaustion. It also explains environmental and personal factors that can increase the likelihood of heat-related illness.
Lightning Safety
Event and venue guidance addressing lightning monitoring, decision authority, safe shelter, protective movement, suspension and resumption.
Lightning Safety Guide for Sports and Special Events
Published by: US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security
Region: United States, with wider international relevance
Resource type: Event-specific lightning planning guide
Publication date: May 2026
Official guide: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/lightning-safety-guide-sports-and-special-events
NCS4 resource page: https://ncs4.usm.edu/resources/lightning-safety-guide/
This new guide provides practical, scalable guidance for venue owners, operators and event organisers. Although its title refers to sports and special events, the principles are directly applicable to festivals, concerts and other outdoor gatherings.
Topics include:
Assigning a Weather Safety Official.
Identifying an authorised decision-maker.
Establishing lightning-monitoring arrangements.
Defining protective-action thresholds.
Identifying lightning-safe structures.
Calculating the time required to move people to safety.
Integrating lightning actions with existing emergency plans.
Communicating delays, suspensions, sheltering and evacuations.
Determining when an event may safely resume.
Adjusting the plan for small, medium and large events.
The guide includes tear-away planning considerations for events of different sizes. It is one of the most current and directly relevant lightning resources available to live-event professionals.
National Weather Service Lightning Safety Toolkits
Published by: US National Weather Service
Region: United States
Resource type: Planning toolkits, graphics and public information
Link: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning
The National Weather Service updated its lightning-safety toolkits in 2026. The collection includes materials for organisations, venues, parks, sporting activities and outdoor recreation. The guidance stresses that organised outdoor activities should have a written lightning plan addressing:
When activities will stop.
Who monitors the weather.
Who makes the decision.
Where people will go.
How long movement will take.
When activities may resume.
What to do if someone is struck.
The site also provides downloadable graphics, public messages and accessible materials that can be adapted for event staff and audiences.
National Weather Service Lightning Safety and Outdoor Sports Activities
Published by: US National Weather Service
Region: United States
Resource type: Operational lightning guidance
Link: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-sports
Although framed around sport, this guidance is highly relevant to all outdoor events. Key principles include:
A lightning plan should be followed without exception.
Seeing lightning, hearing thunder or observing threatening skies should prompt action.
No location outside is safe during a thunderstorm.
Open-sided shelters, tents, sheds and similar small structures are not lightning-safe.
A substantial enclosed building is preferred.
A fully enclosed hard-topped metal vehicle can provide protection when a suitable building is unavailable.
Without professional meteorological support and real-time lightning data, outdoor activities should not resume until at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.
The guidance also recommends designating a weather monitor who is not distracted by other operational responsibilities.
CDC Lightning and Organised Sporting Event Recommendations
Published by: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Region: United States
Resource type: Venue and event guidance
Link: https://www.cdc.gov/lightning/safety/lightning-and-organized-sporting-event-recommendations.html
This resource recommends that large outdoor venues maintain a lightning safety action plan containing:
An evacuation plan for participants and spectators.
A designated person monitoring forecasts and reports.
Identified safe shelter.
Specific evacuation instructions.
Advance communication through tickets, posters, screens and other attendee information channels.
Its communication recommendations can be readily adapted to concerts, festivals and mass-participation events.
PLASA Lightning Guidance for Outdoor Events
Published by: Professional Lighting and Sound Association
Region: United Kingdom
Resource type: Live-entertainment industry guidance
Link: https://www.plasa.org/lightning-guidance/
This guide was developed specifically for the live entertainment industry. It addresses the management of lightning risk at outdoor events and festivals, including:
Crowd safety.
Temporary structures.
Electrical systems.
Power systems.
Production operations.
Lightning monitoring.
Protective actions and event decision-making.
Although first published in 2019, it remains a useful industry-specific companion to the newer CISA/NCS4 guide and official meteorological guidance.
Lightning Safety at Large Outdoor Venues
Published by: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Region: Canada
Resource type: Event-specific lightning planning guidance
Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/lightning/safety/large-outdoor-venues.html
This resource provides lightning-safety guidance specifically for large outdoor venues and events. It encourages organisers to establish a formal lightning safety plan addressing weather monitoring, emergency alerts, protective actions, staff responsibilities and public communications.
The guidance covers:
Monitoring forecasts and lightning activity.
Assigning responsibility for weather monitoring.
Establishing an emergency alerting strategy.
Identifying suitable lightning-safe shelters.
Determining how attendees will be moved to safety.
Training staff and volunteers.
Communicating protective actions to participants and spectators.
The resource also connects organisers with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s lightning danger maps and monitoring information. It is a useful international companion to the US CISA Lightning Safety Guide for Sports and Special Events.
Stay Safe in Thunder and Lightning
Published by: Met Office
Region: United Kingdom
Resource type: Public weather-safety guidance
Link: Stay Safe in Thunder and Lightning
Clear public-facing advice on how to respond when thunder or lightning is present. While written primarily for individuals, the guidance can support attendee messaging, staff briefings and pre-event safety communications. Topics covered include:
Recognising lightning risk
Suitable shelter
Unsafe locations
Outdoor behaviour
Travel during thunderstorms
Public safety messaging
Thunderstorms, High Winds and Temporary Structures
Forecasting, preparedness and practical guidance for severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, hail, tornadoes and wind-sensitive event infrastructure.
NOAA Storm Prediction Center
Published by: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service
Region: United States
Resource type: Severe-weather forecasting and outlooks
Link: https://www.spc.noaa.gov/
The Storm Prediction Center provides official outlooks for:
Severe thunderstorms.
Tornadoes.
Damaging winds.
Large hail.
Fire weather.
Its Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 convective outlooks are useful during the event-planning and operational periods. Mesoscale discussions and watches provide additional information as hazardous conditions develop. Organisers should understand that an outlook is not the same as a warning. Outlooks identify the potential for severe weather over a broad area, while warnings indicate a more immediate threat and require prompt action.
National Weather Service Severe Weather Safety
Published by: US National Weather Service
Region: United States
Resource type: Hazard information and public-safety materials
Link: https://www.weather.gov/safety/
This central portal provides official guidance covering:
Thunderstorms.
Tornadoes.
High winds.
Hail.
Lightning.
Flooding.
Hurricanes.
Winter weather.
Extreme heat.
Wildfires.
Air quality and other hazards.
It is useful for developing staff training, public messages and hazard-specific appendices to an event weather plan.
Ready.gov: Thunderstorms, Lightning and Other Hazards
Published by: US Department of Homeland Security
Region: United States
Resource type: Public preparedness information
Main portal: https://www.ready.gov/
Ready.gov provides plain-language guidance on thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes, winter weather, wildfires and other emergencies. The material is most useful for attendee-facing communications, staff awareness and general preparedness. It should supplement, rather than replace, an event-specific plan and professional weather information.
Heavy Rain, Flooding and Ground Conditions
Resources covering flood warnings, rainfall outlooks, flash flooding, drainage, transport routes, emergency access and deteriorating site conditions.
National Weather Service Flood Safety
Published by: US National Weather Service
Region: United States
Resource type: Flood and flash-flood guidance
Link: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
This resource explains flood watches, warnings and emergency actions. Event planners should consider flooding not only as a threat to life but also as a potential cause of:
Blocked evacuation routes.
Inaccessible parking areas.
Unsafe pedestrian surfaces.
Damaged electrical systems.
Failed drainage.
Contaminated water.
Transport disruption.
Delayed emergency-service access.
The safest route into an event may not remain the safest route out once heavy rain begins.
NOAA Weather Prediction Center
Published by: US National Weather Service
Region: United States
Resource type: National rainfall, flood and winter-weather outlooks
Link: https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/
The Weather Prediction Center produces:
Excessive Rainfall Outlooks.
Quantitative precipitation forecasts.
Winter Weather Outlooks.
Surface analyses.
Short-range forecast discussions.
Its Excessive Rainfall Outlook is particularly useful for identifying the potential for flash flooding several days in advance.
Environment Agency Flood Warnings
Published by: Environment Agency
Region: England
Resource type: Official flood-warning service
Link: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/
This service provides current flood alerts and warnings for England. Organisers should monitor both the event site and surrounding transport routes, campsites, car parks and evacuation areas. Other UK flood-warning services include:
Natural Resources Wales: https://flood-warning.naturalresources.wales/
Scottish Environment Protection Agency: https://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/
Local flood warnings should be considered alongside Met Office rainfall warnings and venue-specific drainage information.
Wildfire Smoke, Air Quality and Solar Exposure
Monitoring and planning resources for smoke, air pollution, ultraviolet exposure and combined environmental-health risks.
AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
Published by: US Environmental Protection Agency and US Forest Service
Region: United States
Resource type: Current air-quality, fire and smoke monitoring
Link: https://fire.airnow.gov/
The map provides:
Current fine-particle pollution information.
Fire locations.
Smoke plumes.
Temporary and permanent monitor data.
Smoke outlooks where available.
Health-protection recommendations.
It is particularly valuable for outdoor events during wildfire season. Smoke conditions can change rapidly and may affect performers, workers and attendees even when the fire itself is far from the venue.
AirNow Air Quality Index
Published by: US Environmental Protection Agency and partner agencies
Region: United States
Resource type: Air-quality monitoring and forecasts
Link: https://www.airnow.gov/
The Air Quality Index provides a common framework for understanding the health significance of air pollution. Event plans should identify:
Who monitors air quality.
Which metric will be used.
Which groups may be particularly susceptible.
What actions correspond to each threshold.
How poor air quality will be communicated.
Whether activities can be reduced, relocated, delayed or cancelled.
How indoor refuge areas will be assessed.
Air quality should be treated as an operational hazard rather than simply an attendee comfort issue.
Heat, Air Pollution and Solar Ultraviolet Radiation: Mass Gathering-Specific Considerations and Research Gaps
Published by: World Health Organization
Region: International
Resource type: Environmental-health guidance and evidence review
Publication date: 2025
Link: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240117310
This WHO publication examines environmental exposure at mass gatherings, with particular attention to:
Extreme heat.
Air pollution.
Wildfire smoke and fine-particle pollution.
Solar ultraviolet radiation.
Combined environmental exposures.
Risks to attendees, workers and volunteers.
The publication is relevant to outdoor events where heat, smoke, ozone and prolonged sun exposure may occur simultaneously. It is intended for event hosts, governments, municipal authorities, public-health agencies, non-governmental organisations and others involved in planning or managing mass gatherings.
Air Quality and Outdoor Events/Activities
Published by: Northeast Tri County Health District
Region: United States
Resource type: Public-health guidance for outdoor events
Link: Air Quality and Outdoor Events/Activities
A practical resource designed to help organisers make decisions when wildfire smoke or poor air quality affects outdoor activities. It provides a useful series of questions for determining whether an event should continue, be modified, relocated, postponed or cancelled. Topics covered include:
Air-quality monitoring
Wildfire smoke
Forecast duration
Visibility
Vulnerable populations
Event relocation
Modification, postponement and cancellation
Air Quality: An Essential Part of Event Planning
Published by: IQAir
Region: International
Resource type: Event-planning article
Link: Air Quality: An Essential Part of Event Planning
An event-specific introduction to incorporating air-quality considerations into planning and operational decision-making. Although published by a commercial air-quality company, the article offers useful guidance on monitoring conditions, identifying thresholds and communicating with attendees when air quality deteriorates. Topics covered include:
Air-quality monitoring
Decision thresholds
Wildfire smoke
Attendee notifications
Sensitive individuals
Event modifications
Indoor and outdoor alternatives
Winter Weather and Cold
Guidance for snow, ice, freezing rain, extreme cold, winter travel and worker exposure.
National Weather Service Winter Weather Safety
Published by: US National Weather Service
Region: United States
Resource type: Winter storm and cold-weather guidance
Link: https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter
The resource covers snow, ice, freezing rain, extreme cold and winter travel. For events, winter planning should consider:
Slips and falls.
Snow and ice loading on temporary structures.
Heating and fuel use.
Staff exposure.
Frozen water systems.
Road and public-transport disruption.
Emergency access.
Power failure.
Delayed ingress or egress.
The availability of warm shelter.
OSHA Winter Weather Preparedness
Published by: US Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Region: United States
Resource type: Worker-safety guidance
Link: https://www.osha.gov/winter-weather/preparedness
This guidance focuses on worker exposure to winter conditions and is relevant to event construction, loading, parking, security, stewarding, cleaning and breakdown operations. It covers cold stress, appropriate clothing, work practices, training and recognised winter-weather hazards.
Hurricanes and Tropical Weather
Official tropical-cyclone forecasts and planning considerations for wind, rain, flooding, storm surge, transport and utility disruption.
National Hurricane Center
Published by: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service
Region: Atlantic, eastern Pacific and central Pacific areas
Resource type: Official tropical cyclone forecasts and warnings
Link: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
The National Hurricane Center provides forecasts, watches, warnings, storm-surge information, rainfall outlooks and forecast tracks. Events do not need to be close to the forecast centre of a storm to be affected. Tropical systems can cause:
Heavy rain and flash flooding.
Tornadoes.
Strong winds.
Storm surge.
Dangerous surf.
Transport disruption.
Utility failures.
Supply-chain interruption.
Event decisions should not rely solely on the forecast track line, as significant hazards can extend far from the centre.
Official Warnings and Resilience Resources
UK warning-system explanations and preparedness resources that support event monitoring, impact assessment and coordination with resilience partners.
Met Office Weather Warnings
Published by: Met Office
Region: United Kingdom
Resource type: Official severe-weather warnings
Link: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings
The Met Office National Severe Weather Warning Service issues impact-based warnings. Event organisers should consider both:
The likelihood of the weather occurring.
The severity of the expected impacts.
A warning colour should not be used as the event’s only decision trigger. A yellow warning could still have significant consequences for a vulnerable site, temporary structure, transport network or exposed audience.
Weather Warnings Guide
Published by: Met Office
Region: United Kingdom
Resource type: Weather-warning guidance
Link: Weather Warnings Guide
An explanation of the Met Office weather-warning system and the hazards covered by official warnings. The guide is useful for event teams because it explains that warning levels are based on anticipated impacts as well as the likelihood of the weather occurring. Topics covered include:
Warning colours and impact levels
Rain and flooding
Thunderstorms
Lightning
Wind
Snow and ice
Extreme heat
Fog
Met Office WeatherReady
Published by: Met Office and UK resilience partners
Region: United Kingdom
Resource type: Public and organisational preparedness information
Link: https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/weatherready
WeatherReady provides seasonal preparedness information and links to official warnings and partner-agency resources. It is useful for staff and attendee communications and for identifying wider consequences such as travel disruption, flooding and health impacts.
Met Office Community Resilience Resources
Published by: Met Office
Region: United Kingdom
Resource type: Resilience training and preparedness guidance
Link: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/services/government/environmental-hazard-resilience/community-resilience
This resource explains how official weather warnings support community resilience and links to relevant agencies, including flood-warning and weather-health services. The principles are applicable to event organisations working with local authorities, Safety Advisory Groups, emergency responders and voluntary organisations.