OpenSite™ Resources

Videos

OpenSite™ temperature explainer

Find out about the theory behind road surface temperatures. The key differences are highlighted between road, grass, air and windscreen temperatures on a typical winter night.

Snow explainer videos

Learn about how we forecast snow.

Snow explainer 1  – What are the different types of winter precipitation?

In this first video, Operational Meteorologist Daniel Lowe looks at the different types of winter precipitation and their effects on tarmac areas such as roads, pavements and car parks across the UK.

Snow explainer 2 – What are the complexities of forecasting snow?

Daniel Lowe explains why snow is so difficult to forecast. It explores some of the different factors that affect where, when and how much snow falls and settles on the ground.

Snow explainer 3 – Why can winter forecasts differ?

In the final video of the series, Daniel Lowe explores why different types of winter forecasts can give conflicting information, and the factors that make a difference to the types of weather we see on the road surface.

Infographics

How do you know when it’s time to grit?

Understand the differences between air temperature and road surface temperature (RST), plus the reasons for differences you may notice between the forecasts which are displayed on the mobile app or internet, and the premium OpenSite™ RST forecast. Download a pdf version of this infographic.

How does frost form?

Sometimes frost can form on car windscreens and grass, but not on the roads. The infographic below explains why. Understand how frost forms, why frost can vary throughout the winter season, and some common factors that affect the risk of frost at a particular location. Download a pdf version of this infographic.

Want to find out more about frost? Check out the following videos : What is frost? and How different types of frost form.

What are the different impacts of snow, sleet and freezing rain?

Snow, sleet and freezing rain are all types of winter precipitation. Understand how they form and their associated impacts on tarmacked surfaces. Download a pdf version of this infographic. 

For further explanation see the following videos : Snow explainer 1 and What is the difference between snow, sleet and freezing rain?’  

What are the complexities of forecasting snow?

Forecasting snow can be a complex task, learn some of the common factors that influence how much snow will settle in a particular location. Download a pdf version of this infographic. 

For further explanation see the following video : Snow explainer 2' 

 

We also offer Weather Basics training for winter services and gritting operators

Would you like to learn about basic meteorology principles to better inform your operational decisions around winter services? Train your team ahead of the season to make better informed decisions. These 1-2 hour courses save progress throughout so you do not need to complete in one go. Certification is provided on completion.

Weather Basics course

Learn about basic meteorology principles to better inform your operational decisions around winter services in our Winter Basics course. 

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