NICA Indiana recognizes that inclement weather experienced while out on the trail (including, but not limited to, lightning, extreme heat, and extreme cold) can affect the safety of its athletes, parents/guardians, coaches, and other volunteers. The league is committed to implementing safe practices to minimize such risks. As such, NICA Indiana has developed a Weather reference and Assessment Process.

A link to the well-formatted 1-page color coded printable weather assessment process card can be found here:

Weather Reference & Assessment Process for NICA Coaches & Staff

WEATHER ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Heat, lightning, wildfires, poor air quality, cold and other weather events impact safety. Follow this process for assessing and responding to weather events.

ANTICIPATE the elevated participant risks associated with each weather type.	PLAN to continue to assess the forecast and adjust for the weather wherever you ride. Review your team emergency action plan and plan your activity based on the forecast.	ADJUST the plan for participant safety based on potential impacts.
EXAMPLE: Anticipate increased flow of nearby rivers/creeks, flooding, and potential mechanicals due to mud-clogged drivetrains during a rain event.	EXAMPLE: A heat index of 103°F/39°C leads to decreasing your practice/event time and intensity to 1 hour or less. Emphasize proper hydration, monitoring, etc.	EXAMPLE: A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for your area, and lightning is detected within 10 miles/16 km while riders are on the trail. Evacuate and seek shelter.

Forecasting

“When” you decide to act on a forecast is as important as using an accurate
forecasting tool. Below is a chart of when a professional meteorologist can generally make a confident forecast. Notice the range varies based on weather type.

Weather Type	When to make a confident forecast?
Lightning strike/forecast	<1 minute / up to 6 hours
Tornado Warning/Watch	<20 minutes / 6 hours
Flash Flood Warning/Watch	<1 hour / 24 hours
Heavy rain	Up to 6 hours
Rain Accumulation Threshold (RAT)	Up to 2 days
High winds	Up to 2 days
Air quality	Today and tomorrow
Heat	Up to 5 days
Tropical Storm	Up to 5 days
Cold weather	Up to 5 days

The time period shared above is a US average and will differ depending on local geography

	GREEN	YELLOW	ORANGE	RED
THUNDERSTORM	No thunderstorms are expected	High confidence that a storm will affect the venue during a specific time Severe thunderstorm watch issued by the NWS Communicate with your team to adjust as needed if lighting is detected	Lighting is detected within 10 miles/16 km of the venue Severe thunderstorm warning issued by NWS Tornado watch is issued by NWS Trails are evacuated, attendees seek shelter	Tornado warning issued by NWS Prolonged thunderstorms expected Activity canceled at the discretion of leadership
HEAT	Heat index remains below 95	Heat index of 95-100°F/35-38°C Maximum activity time of 2 hours	Heat index of 100-105°F/38-40.5°C Maximum activity time of 1 hour	Heat index greater than 105°F/40.5°C Activity is canceled or delayed until heat index drops below 105°F/40.5°C
TROPICAL STORMS	No tropical storms are expected to impact the venue or surrounding area	Part of the venue is in the “forecast cone” in the week leading up to the event Daily weather briefings are sent out to the community	Not applicable	Part of the venue is in the “forecast cone” 2 days prior to the event Activity is canceled at the discretion of leadership
HIGH WINDS	No wind hazards	Wind advisory issued by the national weather service Winds 25-35 mph/40-56 kmph expected Course marshals monitor venue conditions	High winds are temporary (1-2 hrs) Activity paused and restarted based the time winds diminish Trails are evacuated	High wind warning issued by national weather service Winds greater than 35 mph/56 kmph Activity is canceled
COLD WEATHER	No cold weather hazard	Thresholds determined based on community’s acclimation and preparedness	Thresholds determined based on community’s acclimation and preparedness	Activity is canceled at the discretion of leadership
AIR QUALITY	Air Quality Index (AQI) is Good 0-50	Air Quality Index (AQI) is moderate 51-100 Check in with individuals who have higher air quality sensitivity	Air Quality Index (AQI) is unhealthy for sensitive groups 100-151 Competitive activities canceled. Non-competitive activity duration and intensity reduced.	Air Quality Index (AQI) is unhealthy 151-200 Activity is canceled
RAIN ACCUMULATION	Predetermined rainfall accumulation threshold has not occurred AND is not forecasted to occur	High confidence rain accumulation threshold will develop during a specific time Flash flood warning issued by NWS Communicate with your team to adjust as needed if rain accumulation is detected	High confidence rain accumulation is expected Trails are evacuated	Large area of prolonged heavy rain develops that meet the rain accumulation threshold for the venue Flash flood warning issued by the NWS Activity is canceled at the discretion of leadership
HEAVY RAIN, NO THUNDER	No rain expected	High confidence rainfall rates of 0.01 to 0.20inches/0.25 to 5 mm per hour expected per hour Flash flood watch issued by the NWS Communicate with your team to adjust as needed if heavy rain is detected	High confidence rainfall rates of 0.20 to 0.40 inches/ 5-10 mm are expected per hour Trails are evacuated	High confidence rainfall rates greater than 0.40inches/10 mm are expected per hour Flash flood warning issued by the NWS Activity is canceled at the discretion of leadership

NICA thanks Meteorologist Kent McMullen with AMB Weather, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, California Interscholastic Federation,
US Forest Service, National Weather Service and Bay Area Air Quality Management District for informing this reference.

Weather Reference & Resources

NICA WEATHER FACT SHEETS

Thunderstorms

Heat

Tropical Storms/Hurricanes

High Winds

Cold Weather

Air Quality

Rainfall Accumulation – no thunder

Heavy Rain – no thunder

Some in-depth weather guides above are intended for use at NICA events,
however, they may also be useful in informing coach decision-making at a team level.

Inclement Weather Training Tips

General:

Safety First: Always prioritize your safety. This means monitoring weather conditions and adapting your workout accordingly.
Listen to Your Body: Take frequent breaks, especially in extreme temperatures. Pay attention to signs of fatigue, dizziness, or discomfort.
Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after activity, regardless of the temperature.

Warm Weather:

Clothing: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics to promote airflow and keep you cool.
Hydration: Increase fluid intake and consider electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.
Heat Illness: Monitor for signs of heatstroke, heat exhaustion, or cramps. Seek shade or cool down immediately if needed.

Cold Weather:

Layering: Dress in layers with wicking fabrics closest to the skin for warmth and moisture management. Add or remove layers as needed.
Protect Extremities: Cover your head, ears, and hands to prevent heat loss. Wear warm, waterproof gloves and socks.
Energy & Hydration: Maintain energy levels with balanced meals and snacks. Hydrate even though thirst may be less noticeable.
Warm-up & Cool-down: Perform a thorough warm-up to prepare your body for exertion. Cool down gradually after exercise to avoid rapid temperature drops.
Buddy System: Never train alone in extreme cold. Having a partner allows for monitoring and assistance in case of emergencies.

Safe Shelter:

Lightning: Seek shelter in a sturdy, fully enclosed building. Stay away from windows, doors, and electrical equipment.
Unsafe Structures: Avoid carports, open garages, and shelters. These offer little protection from lightning strikes.
Safe Vehicles: A fully enclosed metal-topped car provides good protection. However, avoid using electronics or touching the metal frame during a storm.

Disclaimer: These tips are informational only.