Weather is the most common concern event planners raise when booking a drone light show. It’s a legitimate question. Outdoor events are always subject to conditions beyond anyone’s control, and understanding exactly what happens when the weather becomes a factor helps event organizers plan with confidence.
Open Sky Productions has clear weather thresholds, established contingency protocols, and a track record of working through weather challenges across hundreds of events nationwide. Here’s what you need to know.
What Weather Conditions Affect Drone Shows?
Not all weather is equal when it comes to drone show operations. Some conditions are manageable; others require delay or rescheduling.
Wind
Wind is the most common weather factor affecting drone shows. Open Sky Productions’ drones are designed to operate in moderate wind conditions, but sustained winds above 20 mph or significant gusts exceed safe operating parameters. At that threshold, the show is delayed or rescheduled.
Light wind below 15 mph is generally not a concern. Between 15 and 20 mph, our pilots assess conditions in real time and make a go or no-go decision based on actual measured wind speed at the event site.
Rain
Light misting or very light precipitation is borderline but generally manageable with our drone hardware. Heavy rain is a clear no-go. Water infiltration risks damaging hardware and, more importantly, compromising flight stability and safety.
Lightning and Electrical Storms
Any active lightning in the area results in an immediate ground hold. There are no exceptions to this policy. Drone operations in proximity to electrical activity present unacceptable safety risks, and Open Sky Productions will not launch under these conditions, regardless of other factors.
Temperature
Cold temperatures affect battery performance and require adjustments to flight planning and battery management. Open Sky accounts for temperature in every winter event plan. Extreme heat is less common but is assessed in advance.
Learn more about our full safety protocols and weather policies on our drone show safety and regulations page.
What Is Open Sky’s Contingency Plan?
Every event contract with Open Sky Productions includes a weather contingency discussion before the event date. This means that by the time the event night arrives, both the client and our team have a clear, agreed-upon plan for what happens if conditions don’t cooperate.
Contingency options typically include a weather delay where the show is held back one to two hours waiting for conditions to improve, a date reschedule where the show moves to the next available date acceptable to both parties, and, in some cases, a modified show where the flight altitude or formation complexity is adjusted to accommodate borderline conditions.
The specific contingency plan depends on the event format, the venue’s scheduling flexibility, and the nature of the weather concern. Our team discusses these options with every client during the planning process.
How Far in Advance Does Open Sky Monitor Weather?
Our team begins monitoring weather forecasts for every event approximately 72 hours in advance. By the evening before the show, we have a clear picture of expected conditions and communicate directly with the client if there are any concerns.
On event day, our on-site team uses real-time weather monitoring equipment to track wind speed, precipitation probability, and atmospheric conditions throughout the setup period and leading up to launch time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does weather cancellation affect my contract or deposit?
Weather-related delays and reschedules are addressed in every Open Sky Productions contract. The specific terms depend on the event agreement, but clients are never left without options when weather intervenes. Contact us to discuss contract terms for your specific event.
Can you fly in cold winter weather?
Yes. Our team regularly operates in cold weather conditions and adjusts battery management and flight protocols accordingly. Snow is assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on intensity.
What is the wind speed limit for a drone show?
Our operational threshold is 20 mph sustained wind. Above that level, the show is delayed or rescheduled. Real-time conditions are always the determining factor, not the forecast alone.
What if conditions improve later in the evening?
If weather conditions improve within a window that still allows the show to proceed on the original event date, Open Sky will make every effort to launch. This is why our team maintains on-site presence from setup through the planned show window.
Has Open Sky ever had to cancel a show due to weather?
Weather delays and reschedules are a reality of outdoor event entertainment. Open Sky Productions has managed weather situations across hundreds of events and has established protocols to handle them professionally and fairly for every client.
Find answers to more planning questions in the Open Sky Knowledge Hub.
Contact Open Sky Productions to discuss weather policies and contingency planning for your event.
Phone: 801-996-4857
Email: sales@openskypro.com
Get in Touch with Open Sky Productions