Frost Forecasts

An accurate frost forecast is essential for a grower with a frost sensitive crop. Weatherstation has over 10 years experience in writing forecasts of this nature around New Zealand and specialises in this area.

A good forecast can save a crop from frost damage. Early warning to the grower means that processes can be put in place that reduce the risk of frost damaging the crop. A good forecast can also save the grower money when expensive frost protection measures are used such as a helicopter when the risk of a frost is low or negligable. Weatherstation has a reputation for providing customisable solutions for it's clients and frost protection is no different, whether it is grapes, avocados or kiwifruit, we can tailor the forecast to suit your needs. We are also constantly striving to improve the forecasting methods and delivery.

The Weatherstation Frost Forecast

Weatherstation offers a comprehensive frost service that includes the delivery of a daily forecast to the client by 9am. Text messages are also sent highlighting the main points of the forecast and expected overnight low's their their region. If a frost is likely then further updates are sent throughout the afternoon. Subscribers can also phone and talk directly. Currently the frost service is offered in Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Central Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa. The frost period runs from 1 September to 30 November and again from 1 March to 30 April.

Click to view a sample forecast: Hawkes Bay

The forecast is designed to be easy to read and contain only the information a grower would need to make an informed decision on the day. Each region is broken down into several sub regions so that the overnight temperatures are specific and relevant. Accuracy is an important part of providing a frost forecast and subscribers to this service will shortly be able to access the statistics section which will show real time and past statistics of how accurate the forecast is and has been. We believe that this is important in being accountable to our clients for our forecasts but also provides us with a quality control measure that helps us to monitor the success of our product and make improvements where necessary.

Daily and Long Range Forecasts

Weatherstation has a 7 day and 14 day long range forecast designed to meet the needs of farmers, growers and anyone with a profesional interest in the weather in their region. This forecast has been designed to give an easy to follow and understand format and to highlight parts most relevant to the subscriber. This product is currently offering a detailed forecast covering temperature, wind, rain and sunshine and this covers a wide range of activities from spraying to hay making, to deciding whether to call in a helicopter on a cold night. There are fields that also judge the risk of frost, and fungal disease as well as a growing degree day indicator. Regional summaries and outlooks are also provided giving the subscriber the full scope of the weather in a simple to read and uncluttered format.

Subscribers receive the forecast via email or fax but will shortly be able to recieve it online through a secure server. Online archives will also be availabe to the subscriber as well as accuracy statistics.

Which parts of the country do we cover?

The 14 day Long Range forecast and 7 day daily forecasts are curently available across the East Coast of the North Island for the following regions.

Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Central Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Central Otago

Click here for a sample forecast: Hawkes Bay Long Range

Click here for a sample forecast: Hawkes Bay Daily Forecast

Subscribing and pricing

For each subscriber the costs are as follows:

Frost Basic

Forecast delivered daily from 1 September – 30 November.

By email or internet login

Text message to 1 cellphone

$500.00 +GST

Frost Standard

Forecast delivered daily from 1 September – 30 November.

Harvest forecast from 1 March – 30 April.

By email or internet login

Text message to 1 cellphone

$600.00 +GST

Frost +

Forecast delivered daily from 1 September – 30 November.

Daily regional forecast delivered 1 August – 15 May*

*includes spray guide and harvest forecast

Long Range forecast twice per week 1 August 31 May

By email or internet login

Text message to 1 cellphone

$700.00 +GST

Company subscription rates are:

$700.00 for each region

$100.00 for each extra site requiring a forecast (Will get email and text)

$500.00 for each contract grower that subscribes (Frost +)

If a customer has specific forecasting requirements that are outside of our core service then we can make arrangements to accommodate this.

For more information or to subscribe to the service: email to james@weatherstation.net.nz