10. Weather Forecasting and Monitoring
MetDesk Ltd. Hale Court, Hale Road, Wendover, have been contracted through the West of Scotland Local Authority Weather Service Contract, to provide the road forecast for the period 1st October to 15th May each winter period. Access to forecast information will be gained via the local area networks at Council offices during office hours, or by a broadband router link from Duty Manager’s homes. Information is available on a bespoke website for weather information and partially backed up by e-mail.
The contract with MetDesk Ltd provides for a twenty-four hours consultancy arrangement. Forecasters are available throughout the winter period by telephone, to discuss weather matters and clarify details with department staff.
The text forecast is augmented by other services as necessary, including the use of RADAR and satellite images to study precipitation patterns. There are fourteen Road Sensor stations, owned by the Council and maintained by MetDesk’s partner Vaisala Ltd, giving atmospheric and surface conditions, situated throughout the Argyll and Bute road network.
