Small Business Features
What is Planalytics?
FlashWeather by Planalytics provides business weather intelligence to retailers, manufacturers and analysts. It gives a complete analysis of weather's influence on consumers for the prior week as well as current news and events.
Economic Impacts of Lighthouses
Lighthouses have been around for well over 2,000 years. But lighthouses were first put into operation in North America nearly 300 years ago.
Planalytics® Retail Weather Index
The Planalytics® Retail Weather Index is the national indicator of year-on-year weather driven demand specific to a retail fiscal calendar.
Week in Review
After a warmer than typical workweek, cooler temperatures pushed into much of North America, providing relief from the heat in time for the weekend. Seasonal to cooler than normal temperatures were seen across much of North America, with below typical temperatures throughout the Northeast.
Small Business News
Weather And Your BusinessWeather's impact on consumers isn't negligible. Bad weather means fewer customers may walk through your entryway. Good weather can mean more customers but fewer sales for businesses selling disaster gear.
Small Business News
Check Airport Flight Delays
Have a trip planned somewhere? Click on the headline for a look at real-time airport delays nationwide. Check your departure, arrival airports, and anyplace you're making connections to see if your flight may be affected.
Have a trip planned somewhere? Click on the headline for a look at real-time airport delays nationwide. Check your departure, arrival airports, and anyplace you're making connections to see if your flight may be affected.
The Urban Heat Island Effect
Very often during the summer months, temperatures are higher in the city than in outlying areas. Let's examine the causes behind temperature variation and their impact on the economy.
Very often during the summer months, temperatures are higher in the city than in outlying areas. Let's examine the causes behind temperature variation and their impact on the economy.
Deadly Crash Increases Focus on dangers of Microbursts
PLANALYTICS - It was a weather-related plane crash that resulted in sweeping changes to the aviation industry.During the afternoon of...
PLANALYTICS - It was a weather-related plane crash that resulted in sweeping changes to the aviation industry.During the afternoon of...
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The Economic Dangers Behind Fog Most people understand the immediate dangers of fog, such as creating visibility problems when driving. But when it comes to traveling, the presence of fog can create just as extreme financial issues as it does physical.
A Look Ahead at August 2008
August is the most popular month for summer vacations, where families and friends pack up and travel. But besides a boost to the tourist economy, the shopping industry also looks forward to a huge rise in sales.
August is the most popular month for summer vacations, where families and friends pack up and travel. But besides a boost to the tourist economy, the shopping industry also looks forward to a huge rise in sales.
July 2008: A Look Back
While July has always been known for drawing in extremely hot temperatures, the events and temperatures of 2008 came close to topping the charts. July 2008 made its mark in weather history because of two extreme events: Midwest flooding and West Coast wildfires that devastated both regions.
While July has always been known for drawing in extremely hot temperatures, the events and temperatures of 2008 came close to topping the charts. July 2008 made its mark in weather history because of two extreme events: Midwest flooding and West Coast wildfires that devastated both regions.
Impact of the UV Index
It can get downright hot during the month of August; along with increased heat, usually comes high UV indicies. The UV Index has a big impact on seasonal business.
It can get downright hot during the month of August; along with increased heat, usually comes high UV indicies. The UV Index has a big impact on seasonal business.
How the Andrea Doria Changed Transatlantic TravelWhen the Andrea Doria began its voyage in July of 1956, it was a technological modern marvel of its time. But as fog clouded the coast and weather conditions turned harsh, the Andrea Doria found itself at the bottom of the Atlantic only ten hours later.
The Effect of the Moon on Tide Strength
While many beach-goers know the difference between high and low tide, few actually know how much of a role the moon has on these changes. Research has shown that the size of tides is largely affected by the positioning of the moon.
While many beach-goers know the difference between high and low tide, few actually know how much of a role the moon has on these changes. Research has shown that the size of tides is largely affected by the positioning of the moon.
A Look Back: Moon Shuttle Launch
It was the monumental moment that showed the first men walking on the moon. But many don't remember how big of an impact weather had on the broadcast and, more importantly, the astronaut's return to Earth.
It was the monumental moment that showed the first men walking on the moon. But many don't remember how big of an impact weather had on the broadcast and, more importantly, the astronaut's return to Earth.
July Weather Extremes
July is a month of long, lazy summer days. Folks tend to have a lot of fun, but it can also be a month when extreme weather can impact parts of the nation.
July is a month of long, lazy summer days. Folks tend to have a lot of fun, but it can also be a month when extreme weather can impact parts of the nation.
A Look Back: 1995 Midwest Heat WaveRising summer temperatures often lead to annoying heat waves. But do you know your city's heat disaster plan? The most excessive heat wave since the 1930s prompted cities all over the country to implement official heat emergency plans.
Remembering the NYC Blackout of 1977
The 1977 New York City blackout was thought by many to have been caused by an "act of God." It was a blackout that stirred the city, turning order into chaos. New York was hit with a massive blackout that left 9 million people without power in the scorching summer heat.
The 1977 New York City blackout was thought by many to have been caused by an "act of God." It was a blackout that stirred the city, turning order into chaos. New York was hit with a massive blackout that left 9 million people without power in the scorching summer heat.
A Look Back: Northeast Tornado Outbreak
The date was July 10, 1989; a massive tornado outbreak tore through the Northeast. It's an area that rarely sees any tornadoes. The devastating event had a major impact on some big population areas. Click on the headline to learn more about the storms.
The date was July 10, 1989; a massive tornado outbreak tore through the Northeast. It's an area that rarely sees any tornadoes. The devastating event had a major impact on some big population areas. Click on the headline to learn more about the storms.
What are the "Dog Days" of Summer?
People often use the expression "dog days of summer," but do most actually know what these words mean or how they developed? The expression can be credited back to astronomy and the creativity of the ancient Egyptian culture.
People often use the expression "dog days of summer," but do most actually know what these words mean or how they developed? The expression can be credited back to astronomy and the creativity of the ancient Egyptian culture.
Remembering Big Bertha of '96Hurricane Bertha made history as the devastating early season storm that caused over $370 million in damages, killed 12 and caused the evacuation of more than 750,000 people. In 1996, Hurricane Bertha appeared on the radar as a tropical wave off the coast of Africa. As it crossed the ocean it gained both speed and strength, ultimately turning into a Category 3 hurricane.
Changing Offices to Save on Commuting Costs
With gas now well over four dollars a gallon, driving to work is getting expensive and many Americans are looking for cheaper ways to commute. That's sparked new interest in telework...working at another office that's closer to your home.
With gas now well over four dollars a gallon, driving to work is getting expensive and many Americans are looking for cheaper ways to commute. That's sparked new interest in telework...working at another office that's closer to your home.
4th of July Big Weekend for Business
The Fourth of July celebrates our country's independence, but the holiday is a big player in big business. It's the second of three major "summer" holidays, and many people spend the weekend outdoors.
The Fourth of July celebrates our country's independence, but the holiday is a big player in big business. It's the second of three major "summer" holidays, and many people spend the weekend outdoors.
Why Air Conditioning Makes Summer Feel Like Winter
Are you one of those people who always keeps a jacket or fleece at work because you are always too cold? It's the summertime plight of office workers everywhere. Offices during the summer can feel like winter never ended.
Are you one of those people who always keeps a jacket or fleece at work because you are always too cold? It's the summertime plight of office workers everywhere. Offices during the summer can feel like winter never ended.
July is 'National Ice Cream Month'First recognized in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, National Ice Cream Month is meant to promote one of the most popular foods in our society. Nearly 1.6 billion gallons of ice cream were produced last year.
A Look Back: June 2008
The end of month statistics have yet to be calculated, but June 2008 is likely to go down as one of the warmest in recent history. It will also remembered by Midwesterners for the historic flooding that impacted the region.
The end of month statistics have yet to be calculated, but June 2008 is likely to go down as one of the warmest in recent history. It will also remembered by Midwesterners for the historic flooding that impacted the region.
Wildfires Devastate CA Businesses
Every summer thousands of tourists travel to this rugged stretch of California coast whose soaring mountain cliffs and sweeping ocean views have inspired writers from Henry Miller to Jack Kerouac. But many of the rustic inns, restaurants and art galleries that dot the coastal highway here are nearly deserted this week as hundreds of firefighters battle a massive wildfire that is threatening the community of Big Sur and its tourist-dependent businesses.
Every summer thousands of tourists travel to this rugged stretch of California coast whose soaring mountain cliffs and sweeping ocean views have inspired writers from Henry Miller to Jack Kerouac. But many of the rustic inns, restaurants and art galleries that dot the coastal highway here are nearly deserted this week as hundreds of firefighters battle a massive wildfire that is threatening the community of Big Sur and its tourist-dependent businesses.
Hurricane Audrey's Mark in History
As one of the most catastrophic hurricanes ever recorded in U.S. history, Hurricane Audrey was responsible for massive destruction and substantial fatalities throughout Texas and Louisiana. For years, it made its mark in history as the only category four hurricane to hit land in June.
As one of the most catastrophic hurricanes ever recorded in U.S. history, Hurricane Audrey was responsible for massive destruction and substantial fatalities throughout Texas and Louisiana. For years, it made its mark in history as the only category four hurricane to hit land in June.
Lightning Strikes Cause Death and Economic DevastationWith all the advanced technology that allows meteorologists to predict storms, the threat of lightning continues to strike in unpredictable ways. This mysterious danger kills people and livestock, destroys man-made structures, and devastates the economy.
How Weather Impacted the Korean War
It began as border clashes between two rival Korean regimes vying for power, trying to topple each other. The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, after the communist North Korean Army assaulted the South. Korea's geographical traits created extreme weather conditions, which made fighting the war a difficult task, and became the cause of death for thousands of soldiers.
It began as border clashes between two rival Korean regimes vying for power, trying to topple each other. The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, after the communist North Korean Army assaulted the South. Korea's geographical traits created extreme weather conditions, which made fighting the war a difficult task, and became the cause of death for thousands of soldiers.
Plane Crash’s Impact on Aviation
It was one of the worst aviation crashes in American history; that had a major impact on the types of systems used during severe thunderstorms. On June 24, 1975, 114 people were killed when Eastern Airlines flight 66 crashed during its final descent toward the a runway at JFK Airport in New York City.
It was one of the worst aviation crashes in American history; that had a major impact on the types of systems used during severe thunderstorms. On June 24, 1975, 114 people were killed when Eastern Airlines flight 66 crashed during its final descent toward the a runway at JFK Airport in New York City.
Wimbledon Tennis Championship
The 122nd Wimbledon Tennis Championship began Monday at the All England Tennis Club; the tournament has a fabled history, that Mother Nature has had an impact on through the years.
The 122nd Wimbledon Tennis Championship began Monday at the All England Tennis Club; the tournament has a fabled history, that Mother Nature has had an impact on through the years.
A Look Back: Hurricane AgnesFor many people living in the Mid-Atlantic states during the 1970's, the name "Agnes" brings up memories of death and destruction. This rare June hurricane produced record rainfall across Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York.
NASA Celebrates 30+ Years of Shuttle Missions
The date was June 19, 1977; all eyes were looking up at the sky as NASA tested its first ever manned space shuttle mission. Since that very first day, weather has been a key component in ensuring launches and landings.
The date was June 19, 1977; all eyes were looking up at the sky as NASA tested its first ever manned space shuttle mission. Since that very first day, weather has been a key component in ensuring launches and landings.
Storm Prep Your Business
Sometimes storms arrive too quickly to send your employees home, or you're in a business that provides storm supplies to consumers. Any business owner should be prepared for severe storms.
Sometimes storms arrive too quickly to send your employees home, or you're in a business that provides storm supplies to consumers. Any business owner should be prepared for severe storms.
Business Communications Backup Plans
Make sure your business is prepared should weather affect your computer information systems. There are several guidelines to make sure your business is prepared if severe weather strikes.
Make sure your business is prepared should weather affect your computer information systems. There are several guidelines to make sure your business is prepared if severe weather strikes.
Safeguarding Important DocumentsA new service exists to help you safeguard important family documents like digital photos, valuable documents and irreplaceable family pictures.
Small Business Severe Weather Contingency Plans
Putting together a contingency plan for natural disasters may sound like a low-priority item for your to-do list. But having a plan in place will save you countless hours should your business be affected by Mother Nature.
Putting together a contingency plan for natural disasters may sound like a low-priority item for your to-do list. But having a plan in place will save you countless hours should your business be affected by Mother Nature.