Precipitation

Though slight precipitation may not have a big effect on your pond hockey experience, heavier precipitation may be dangerous. Increased amounts of rain, snow, or hail can lead to many factors that make pond hockey hazardous. Air visibility may be much lower, meaning it is harder to see other players as well as the puck. The precipitation also causes the ice surface to be more uneven, meaning it will be much easier for players to fall, which may inflict minor or serious injuries. Before heading out to play pond hockey, the precipitation conditions should be monitored, and if precipitation has recently occurred, it should be fully cleaned off the ice before playing.

Above image retrieved from https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/02/19/sports/bruins-outdoor-skate-brings-memories-flooding-back/Links to an external site. on November 17, 2021

Temperature

The temperature could either be too high or too cold for pond hockey. One of the most important prerequisites for pond hockey is that it is cold enough for the pond to freeze over with a certain thickness. The ideal thickness is around 5 inches, and for this to happen, the temperature should be below 0° Celsius for 2 or 3 weeks. We don't want anyone falling through the ice, which may cause severe injuries or even death. Drowning could be very likely, as it is hard to swim with skates on, and even if you do get out eventually, the cold water could inflict frostbite or hypothermia.

Above image retrieved from https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/how-to-save-yourself-after-falling-through-thin-ice on November 17, 2021

Though it must be cold enough for ice to freeze, if it is too cold it also could be hazardous. Frostbite and hypothermia are common risks to sub-zero temperatures. You can get frostbitten in just 30 minutes if the temperature is -25° Celsius, so it is best not to go in such low temperatures. Even if it is warmer than that, it is smart to bundle up with multiple layers, gloves or mittens, a scarf, hat, and more. 

Wind

Another factor to consider is the wind. In addition to the sub-zero temperatures, the wind chill can make it feel even colder. The rate of convective heat loss from human skin is much greater with cold wind than with calm air. Wind chill increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. 

Strong wind could also affect the quality of play in pond hockey, as skating in the same direction of the wind may be very uncomfortable. In addition, if there is precipitation, it could hurt if wind blows it into a player. Strong wind also may knock players off balance, increasing the chance of collisions and falling.