Frequently Asked Questions
What weather elements go into perfect weather?
Temperatures, dewpoint, chance of precipitation, amount of precipitation, and wind speed. While all elements are considered, temperatures are the most heavily weighted in the rating system. The amount of precipitation is not forecast by the National Weather Service beyond a few days so that element is dropped.
How often do you update your forecast?
The daily map update is completed once per day, typically in the 7 AM hour Central Time.
What does a weather rating of 10 mean?
A rating of 10 means the weather is nearly ideal in my opinion, with comfortable temperatures, low humidity, no precipitation, few clouds and light winds—perfect for outdoor activities.
Why do some places with pleasant temperatures not rank higher?
Even if temperatures are pleasant, factors like high winds, high humidity, or a chance of precipitation can lower a location’s score.
Why are there less 10s and 1s further out in time?
Naturally, as we forecast further out in time there is more uncertainty. You will not see a 100% chance of rain six days in advance. Also, the National Weather Service will often "hedge" on many weather elements. For example, rather than saying it will be completely clear they will keep 30% cloud cover. So essentially, the top and the bottom of the scale does not reveal itself until about two days ahead.
How do you rank cities and states?
First, I calculate a raw score based on weather elements for each city. Cities are then sorted from best to worst. A second sort is conducted for city population. For states, I calculate the mean score for each state, including Washington DC.
What about Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico?
Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico are not currently included, though I plan to expand in the future. Hawaii tends to be high on the list but rarely hits ‘perfect’ due to consistent showers, humidity, and wind. Alaska sees less favorable weather in winter, though its interior parts can score high in summer.
Can I use your maps on my website or blog?
Please reach out for permission before using any images. I’m generally open to sharing, depending on the usage. Refer to the copyright notice for further details.
Do you use AI?
AI helps me streamline daily summaries and blog editing, though all weather data analysis and climate research are done manually to ensure accuracy.
What are your future plans?
Future ideas include an interactive map and more detailed weather rankings, including weekly, monthly, and yearly weather bests.