As any experienced marquee hirer in the UK knows, the weather is the one guest you can’t uninvite. While rain is a nuisance, wind is a structural challenge. At DIY Marquees, we always emphasize that safety comes first. That is why we recommend that every hire company and private owner bookmarks the Met Office UK Wind Map as their primary planning tool.
Beyond the Standard Forecast
Most people check a basic weather app that gives a single wind speed for a town. However, marquees are affected by gusts, direction, and exposure. The Met Office Wind Map is superior for three reasons:
- Visualizing Wind Direction: The map shows exactly where the wind is hitting. As we’ve discussed in our guide on marquee wind resistance, knowing which side of the marquee will face the wind allows you to plan your entrance and wall-tensioning accordingly.
- Real-Time Gust Data: A 15mph constant wind is very different from 35mph gusts. The map allows you to toggle between mean speeds and gusts, which is vital for deciding if a structure needs extra tie-down kits or if it needs to be taken down entirely.
- Hyper-Local Tracking: The interactive nature of the map allows you to see how wind behaves around coastal areas or high-altitude sites—areas where “standard” forecasts often fail.
Integrating the Map into Your Build Schedule
We suggest a “Three-Check Rule” for every marquee installation:
- 72 Hours Before: Use the Met Office map to determine if you need to bring extra weights or longer stakes for the specific site conditions.
- The Morning of the Build: Check the gust map. If gusts are predicted to exceed your marquee’s rated limit during the build, delay the roof installation until the window clears.
- During the Event: Keep the live map open. If the colour coding on the map shifts into the “yellow” or “amber” warning zones, it’s time to ensure all sides are laced tight and guests are informed.
Expertise You Can Trust
Buying a marquee is only the first step; knowing how to manage it in the British climate is what makes a professional hirer successful. We have spent decades refining our marquees for sale to be among the most robust in the UK, but even the strongest PVC and galvanized steel structures rely on the person in charge making informed, data-driven decisions.
Stay safe, stay informed, and always keep an eye on the map.
— Spencer, DIY Marquees