We’re proud to share some exciting news from right here in New England: the Worcester Fire Department has partnered with 1DegreeOutside to bring advanced, hyper-local weather tools directly into the hands of their firefighting teams.
For the men and women on the front lines, weather isn’t just background noise – it can be a game-changer. From shifting winds that fan flames to sudden downpours that help put them out, every detail matters. That’s where our new tools come in.
We’ve built a customized suite of forecast products designed specifically for Worcester’s needs, including:
Clear, high-resolution daily forecast visuals to help command staff and dispatch know exactly how weather will impact operations.
Our new & proprietary 1DegreeOutside Fire Behavior Index, built exclusively for Worcester, which gauges how conditions could influence fire spread and intensity.
Real-time weather readings from a dense sensor network, including data from both Worcester Regional Airport and street-level downtown, so crews can make decisions with the most current information possible.
Worcester Fire Chief Martin Dyer says these tools “add another layer of situational awareness for our department, further enhancing the way we plan, respond, and prioritize firefighter safety.”
And as Worcester’s Commissioner of Emergency Communications and Management Charles Goodwin puts it, “It’s inspiring to see Chief Dyer and his department — so integral to the safety of our City — leading the way in making cutting-edge advancements in preparedness.”
“Emergency weather intelligence is at the core of our mission,” said Matt Noyes, President of 1DegreeOutside, who also recently deployed a highly detailed rip-current forecast for New Hampshire State Parks and Beach Patrol. “We’ve been honored to support the Worcester Department of Emergency Management to help prepare the City ahead of impactful weather – now, it’s a privilege to now support one of the most dedicated firefighting teams in the region by creating tools tailored not just to weather, but to mission-critical decision-making.”
This collaboration builds on our ongoing work with Worcester’s Department of Emergency Communications and Management to give the city a proactive edge against New England’s ever-changing weather — from brush fires in summer to ice-coated hydrants in winter.
We’re thrilled to be part of this effort, and we’ll continue evolving these tools as seasonal challenges change. Because at the end of the day, smarter forecasting isn’t just about weather — it’s about people.
