Weather conditions will influence how safe and fun your tennis game will end up to be. I will center most of my discussion around Singapore where I played most of my tennis. However, I will include also include links with the Vancouver weather for your reference. Most of the links provided for the general population are easy to understand so basically all you have to do is click and open the link and view the data.
Follow this weather linkLinks to an external site. for a quick snapshot of all the vital weather information I use when I am playing tennis here in Southeast Asia, Singapore. It provides a quick overview of the current and forecast weather data including elements such as wind, rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity. All in one page!
A sample of what I see is shown below for your easy reference.
Source: ( Screenshot, Meteorological Service SingaporeLinks to an external site., 28 Nov 2018)
Singapore's climate is classified as a tropical rainforest climateLinks to an external site. with no distinct seasons. There are usually only two monsoon periods that deviates from the norm and in such phases, the weather tends to be slightly different from the rest of the year. Here is a snapshot of the weather in Singapore in a typical year. Notice the first Northeast Monsoon occurring from mid-November to early March, and the second Southwest Monsoon occurring from June to September. Of the two rainy seasons, the Northeast Monsoon can be attributed as the main culprit for bringing in the most rain and wind in the year.
Source: Screenshot, National Environment AgencyLinks to an external site., 28 Nov 2018)
Since Singapore does not have the four seasons, there is no concern about extreme weather conditions and most of us would just be concerned about rainfall for the purpose of recreational play. If it does rain, usually the games will be cancelled as the rainfall in Singapore can get quite heavy. For safety reasons, it would be best to avoid playing at all in such weather conditions. Besides, it wouldn’t be fun to get yourselves drenched while trying to hit the ball in the rain, would it? Most importantly, you definitely don’t want to fall down and injure yourself!
If you play outdoors in the day, and are regular and seasoned players, other factors are also important to consider. A screenshot has been provided for easy viewing. If you need more details, please click on the hyperlinks provided.
UV Index Links to an external site.
Source: (Screenshot, Singapore GoLinks to an external site., 28 Nov 2018)
The UVI is an international standard index that describes the level of solar UV radiation on the earth’s surface. The index ranges from 0 to 11+ and the values are grouped into various exposure categories. A higher index value indicates a greater potential for harmful effects to the skin and eyes.
A tennis match can last many hours. When the UV index is high (more than 3), we should be applying adequate sunscreen with high SPF protection to absorb or reflect some of the sun’s ray. Anything above 5 and its advisable to seek shade.Wearing a cap and a pair of sunglasses can also help protect our eyes.The above image is a good guide.
Source: (Raj Kumar Hansdah, Wowgk.comLinks to an external site., 28 Nov 2018)
WindLinks to an external site.
Anticipation of the wind direction and speed can also allow you to better adjust your strokes to compensate for the wind. This is however, quite tricky when put in practice. Unlike predicting wind patterns when flying or sailing, the wind at the tennis courts can be altered by the surrounding buildings, especially in urbanized areas. For instance, when I play at a tennis court which is located at the foot of a tall building, there is a good chance for me to experience very strong winds. You will also find that the direction of the wind is not quite the same as what is indicated in the weather forecast. This wind phenomenon is called the Venturi effect. If the wind gets too strong, it can result in a mishit, and the ball flying off the court can possibly hit and injure someone! Below is a screenshot of wind finder which shows the wind directions and speed. You can click in the hyperlink provided to open up and view the animated wind pattern. You can input your location easily and view the current wind patterns of your area of concern.
Source: ( Screenshot, WindFinderLinks to an external site., 28 Nov 2018)
Source: (Justin Parkinson, BBC NewsLinks to an external site., 28 Nov 2018)
HazeLinks to an external site.
Haze is a condition where smoke, dust, moisture, and vapour are suspended in the air, causing an impairment to visibility. Haze pollution are said to be “transboundary” if its density and extent is so great at the source that it remains at measurable levels after crossing into another country’s air space. This not only causes issues in terms of visibility, it also causes health issues as discussed in the hazards page.
Source: (Herdaru Purnomo and Chris Brummitt, Bloomberg, 28 Nov 2018)
Rainfal &Links to an external site.LightningLinks to an external site.
Rainfall and lightning are important information to check before you head out for a match. If the forecast shows it is about to rain, or if it has already started drizzling, it is important to be prepared, and possibly have some backup plans. If there is a risk of lightning, it is advisable to stay indoors for play or cancel your game. Again click on the hyperlinks to find out more on the current weather data.
Source: (Dr. James Palermo, Space Coast DailyLinks to an external site., 28 Nov 2018)
LINKS TO SINGAPORE WEATHER
LINKS TO CANADA , VANCOUVER, WEATHER
icons at the top right corner of the subsection.