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Know what to expect with the KSMI Weather App MEMBERSHIP
L andscaping is full of unpredictability, with the weather being a major factor. Imagine checking the weather the night before and seeing clear skies ahead for tomorrow. You notify the crews to get ready for a productive day. However, what started out as a beautiful, sunny day quickly turns into a downpour. By then, I’m sure you are thinking, “I wish I could get more accurate weather data.” Since 2013, KSMI has provided these solutions through real- time weather data and reports to industries. In 2022, Landscape Ontario was added as one of the select groups to access this benefit. Green Trade, Green Trade Sole Proprietor, Green Trade Supplier and Green Trade Chapter Supplier members can all utilize the program. What makes the KSMI Weather App unique? KSMI Weather is a single source for weather information tailored specifically to your line of work. All information is accessible through an app, email or TV products. The database provides highly localized weather details for every operational area your business covers, enabling you to pinpoint conditions down to an exact building location. This granular approach distinguishes KSMI from most weather stations. Instead of relying on centralized data, such as that collected at an airport, KSMI has hundreds of live and archived weather and traffic cameras for continuous monitoring of conditions. This system is built specifically for operations that need to make weather-dependent decisions, meaning the focus is not just forecasting, but helping teams understand timing, risk and potential impacts so they can plan with more confidence. This data is particularly critical during severe winter conditions. KSMI is capable of generating detailed reports on current weather, covering everything from highway surface conditions to precise snowfall rates. Surface temperature and snowfall rates can fluctuate even over a few kilometres, which is why KSMI has access to over 250 road weather sensor sites. Additionally, they can deploy their own sensors for site-specific monitoring of parking lots, driveways and walkways. KSMI tools are easy to use Through the KSMI Weather Client Portal, LO members are able to access a wide variety of tools, including: • Current conditions and detailed hourly conditions of selected sites, • 10-day forecasts, • Interactive maps for weather alerts, watches and warnings, • Real-time highway surface conditions, • Hundreds of cameras throughout the province, • Future radar, as well as forecast rain and snow accumulation.
KSMI offers the ability to set up custom alerts so you can stay updated on changes in the weather. Throughout the day, KSMI’s weather experts also create detailed reports that include information like forecast breakdowns and graphs that depict the changes over time. Members can set the sites they track, the information they receive and the number of times a report is sent each day. How do you access KSMI Weather? Follow the steps below to access KSMI Weather: • Go to portal.ksmi.ca • Select Create a New Account and fill out your registration information.* • For Association select Landscape Ontario . • It may take 1-2 days for your account to be verified by KSMI. • You will be notified by KSMI once your account is verified and ready to use. • Keep an eye out for how-to videos coming from KSMI. *IMPORTANT: You MUST sign up with an email address associated with your member profile with Landscape Ontario. If you run into issues with registration due to an unverified email, please contact membership@landscapeontario.com or call 1-800-265-5656 or 905-875-1805 so we can update your file. If you run into any account issues with the KSMI Weather portal, please contact KSMI directly at support@ksmi.ca.
Gail Pope LO Membership Admin Assistant gpope@landscapeontario.com
22 | LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
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