Humber Events Company · Weather Policy

We watch the weather. Safety makes the final call.

British weather can change quickly. We monitor the forecast for your event location, review official warnings and assess the conditions on site so your equipment is only used when it is safe to do so.

  • Regular forecast checks
  • Decisions left as late as safely possible
  • We contact you directly

We may have to change or cancel a booking for safety.If the forecast or actual conditions could make the equipment unsafe, we will not take a risk. We will always contact you, keep checking for changes and leave the decision as late as reasonably possible — while still allowing enough time to manage deliveries and set up safely.

If we have to cancel, you will receive a full refund.If Humber Events Company cancels your booking because the weather would make the equipment unsafe, we will refund all money you have paid for that booking.

Plan with live forecast data

Check the weather for your event location

Enter the town, city or postcode and choose a date within the next 16 days. The checker focuses on the conditions that matter most for event equipment: wind, gusts, rain and heat.

Event Weather Checker

Location-specific planning forecast

Forecast data

Planning tool only: this checker does not approve equipment use or confirm that a booking will proceed. Forecasts can change and cannot measure sudden, localised gusts at your venue. Humber Events Company’s decision, manufacturer limits, official warnings and on-site anemometer readings always take priority.

1

We monitor regularlyWe check the event location and keep reviewing the forecast when conditions look uncertain.

2

We wait for clearer informationForecasts change, so we avoid making a final call unnecessarily early where it is safe and practical to wait.

3

We contact you directlyIf your booking is at risk, needs changing or must be cancelled, we will use the contact details on your booking.

Our decision process

We do not cancel at the first sign of bad weather

A long-range forecast is not a final decision. We review the whole picture and keep you informed if there is a genuine safety concern.

01

Booking confirmed

Your booking remains in place unless we contact you to say otherwise.

02

Closer monitoring

We watch the venue forecast, gusts, rainfall and weather warnings as the date approaches.

03

Early heads-up

Where possible, we contact you around 48–24 hours before if the booking looks at risk.

04

Latest safe decision

We keep checking and leave the final call as late as reasonably possible.

05

On-site checks

Actual conditions, ground safety and local wind readings can still require a pause or shutdown.

Conditions we assess

More than just “rain or shine”

Different weather creates different risks. One condition may be manageable for one product but unsafe for another.

Wind & gusts

Critical for inflatables
  • Outdoor inflatables must not be used in winds or gusts of 24 mph or above.
  • If the manufacturer states a lower limit, the lower limit applies.
  • We may pause use earlier when readings are borderline, unstable or the site is exposed.
  • Forecast apps cannot replace local readings with a suitable anemometer.

Rain & wet ground

Slips, electrics & anchoring
  • Light showers do not always mean automatic cancellation.
  • Heavy or persistent rain can create slippery surfaces, water pooling and electrical risk.
  • Soft, flooded or waterlogged ground may not hold anchors safely.
  • Equipment must not be hosed or soaked unless it is specifically designed for wet use.

Heat & direct sun

Hot surfaces & users
  • Inflatable fabric, mats and dark equipment can become very hot in direct sun.
  • Users should wear socks where instructed and adults must check surface temperature.
  • Use must stop if surfaces become too hot or guests show signs of heat illness.
  • Shade, breaks, drinking water and sensible session lengths may be required.

Storms, lightning, ice & snow

Stop-use conditions
  • Thunder or lightning near an outdoor event can make electrical and metal equipment unsafe.
  • Ice and snow can make access, surfaces, cables and anchoring dangerous.
  • Official amber or red warnings are taken extremely seriously and may require cancellation.
  • Sudden deterioration can require equipment to be cleared and shut down immediately.
Equipment-specific decisions

How weather can affect your hire

This is a general guide. The product manual, site inspection and Humber Events Company’s safety decision always come first.

EquipmentMain weather risksWhat may happenSensitivity
Bouncy castles, slides & obstacle coursesWind/gusts, water, hot surfaces, unsafe anchoringUse may be delayed, paused, deflated, moved indoors or cancelled.Very high
Rodeo bull & outdoor reaction gamesRain, slippery mats, lightning, unsafe power conditionsOutdoor use may stop or need a dry, suitable indoor position.High
Photo booths, mirrors, dance floors & lightingMoisture, uneven ground, condensation, unsafe electricsThese normally need a dry indoor or fully covered, approved area.Location dependent
Flower walls, arches, neons & freestanding décorWind loading, unstable ground, rain and electrical riskDécor may need additional controls, an indoor move or removal.Moderate to high
Foam, snow & outdoor effectsLightning, high winds, temperature, surface and drainageOperation depends on intended use, surface, safe power and local conditions.Site dependent
Working together

Weather safety continues after setup

The forecast is only part of the picture. Conditions must be watched throughout the hire, especially when equipment is outdoors and Humber Events staff are not staying on site.

Humber Events Company

  • Review the venue forecast, gusts and official weather warnings.
  • Set up and secure equipment in line with its operating instructions.
  • Explain relevant stop-use and weather safety instructions.
  • Contact you if a booking is at risk, changed or cancelled.
  • Refuse or stop use whenever conditions are unsafe.

The hirer / responsible adult

  • Provide an accurate location and a suitable, accessible setup area.
  • Stay contactable before and during the booking.
  • Supervise equipment and follow every instruction displayed or provided.
  • Monitor local conditions and wind readings at the required intervals.
  • Stop use, clear users and contact us if conditions worsen or equipment moves.

Important: A phone weather app is not an anemometer. For an outdoor inflatable, wind must be measured locally at regular intervals with suitable equipment. If safe measurement is unavailable, the inflatable must not be operated outside.

If the weather is unsafe

We will look for a sensible solution

Safety cannot be negotiated, but depending on the equipment, venue, timing and availability, we may be able to offer one of these alternatives.

01

Adjust the setup time

Use a safer weather window where our route and your event timing allow.

02

Move indoors

Use a suitable indoor room with enough space, access, power and safe anchoring.

03

Change equipment

Consider a more suitable product if we have a safe alternative available.

04

Reschedule or cancel

Move the booking where possible, or cancel when no safe option is available.

Our weather cancellation guarantee: If Humber Events Company cancels your booking because the weather would make the equipment unsafe, you will receive a full refund of all money paid for that booking. Customer-requested cancellations, requests to reschedule and weather changes after equipment has already been delivered and set up remain subject to our Terms & Conditions / Cancellation Policy. Please contact us by email for customer cancellation requests so there is a written record.

Common questions

Weather policy FAQs

Will you cancel just because rain is forecast?

No. A chance of light rain does not always mean a booking must be cancelled. We consider the amount and timing of rain, ground conditions, wind, the equipment booked and whether the setup can stay safely dry. Heavy or persistent rain may make some equipment unsafe.

Why do you leave the decision so late?

Forecasts can change significantly. We keep checking so we do not cancel unnecessarily, but we still need enough time to contact you, plan our delivery route and complete setup safely. A final decision may therefore be made close to the booking time.

What if the forecast looks safe but the venue is windy?

Local conditions take priority. Open fields, coastal areas and gaps between buildings can produce stronger gusts than a general forecast suggests. An on-site anemometer reading can require an inflatable to be paused or deflated even when an app shows a lower speed.

Can I choose to carry on if I accept the risk?

No. Safety limits, operating instructions and Humber Events Company’s decision cannot be waived. We will not install, operate or allow continued use of equipment when we believe conditions are unsafe.

Can an outdoor booking be moved inside?

Sometimes. The venue must have enough clear floor space and height, suitable access, safe power and any anchoring required by the equipment. Please speak to the venue early and tell us if an indoor backup area may be available.

What should I do if the weather worsens during the hire?

Stop use immediately, remove users calmly and follow the shutdown instructions provided. Do not try to hold down, move or repair equipment in strong winds or a storm. Call us if urgent; use email for non-urgent questions.

Concerned about the forecast for your booking?

Email is best for non-urgent questions because it gives us time to check your event details, location, equipment and the latest forecast. Call if conditions have suddenly become unsafe during a live hire.

Safety reference: HSE inflatable safety advice · Check official conditions and warnings at the Met Office · Forecast checker data by Open-Meteo