There’s nothing like streaming a good movie or playing your favorite game during cold or rainy weather. Unfortunately, severe weather events, including cold weather, can affect internet connections.
Here’s how that works... and how you can better protect your internet from weather-related disruptions.
Does Weather Affect the Internet?
Yes. Extreme weather events and extreme temperatures can affect all types of internet connections, including satellite, DSL, Wi-Fi, and fiber internet connection types.
Can Cold Weather Affect the Internet?
Yes, winter weather can affect internet connectivity and internet speeds.
- Extreme cold. Materials found in cable lines—both in phone lines and in other networking equipment necessary to deliver internet services—are sensitive to temperature changes. If the weather is cold enough, it could cause cables to constrict, break, or otherwise become damaged in a way that it fails to deliver services properly. The result can be slow internet or even loss of internet connections all together.
- Snowfall. Snowfall can impact both Wi-Fi and satellite internet options. As snow falls, it can cause connection issues by disrupting Wi-Fi signals and satellite signals. Furthermore, with satellite internet, snow can build up on satellite dishes, further blocking wireless signals. These disruptions can reduce signal strength, leading to slower connection speeds and higher latency.
- Freezing rain. Freezing rain can build up on power lines, which can cause them to become brittle and snap. The resulting power outages can lead to loss of internet access. Like snowfall, freezing rain can also interfere with wireless signals, which can lead to slower internet even if power doesn’t go out.
Can Extreme Heat Affect the Internet?
Cold weather isn’t the only type of severe weather that can impact internet quality and access; extreme heat can impact the internet too.
- Overheating equipment. Equipment like router, modems, cables, and more can all overheat, leading to poor connectivity and slower speeds.
- Surges. One of the best ways to beat the heat is to stay in an air conditioned building. People tend to stay inside and use the internet more often when heat waves strike. So many people using the internet at once can lead to lagging.
Can High Winds Affect the Internet?
Yes. Strong winds can impact internet access by damaging power lines, cable lines, satellite dishes, and more.
Can Thunderstorms Affect the Internet?
Yes, weather events like thunderstorms can also impact internet access.
- Heavy rain. Heavy rain can impact connectivity in two primary ways. Firstly, it can block wireless signals. Secondly, it can lead to flooding, which can damage equipment and lead to power outages.
- Lightning. Lightning can mess with infrastructure necessary to deliver power and internet access to homes and businesses, as well as interfere with wireless signals.
Can Droughts Affect the Internet?
Too much and too little rain can negatively impact access to the internet.
Data centers and power plants are necessary to deliver internet access. Both often rely on water to cool equipment, so droughts can directly impact their ability to keep equipment in a temperature-controlled environment. Overheated equipment can result in lagging or even complete lack of internet access.
How Can I Protect My Internet Access During Bad Weather Conditions?
Tired of bad weather messing with your internet? The following five actions can help lead to fewer disruptions and internet outages.
Contact your internet service provider (ISP). Your internet provider should have information regarding potential outages in your area. If you contact customer support, you can learn more about potential issues in your area and ways to troubleshoot the problem.
Weather-proof outdoor equipment to protect it from the elements. That can mean properly sealing all exposed cables or using a specialized cover for satellite dishes.
Switch to a fiber opticinternet connection since it is more resilient against weather-related stress.
Move equipment to a temperature-controlled space, if possible. In hotter climates, for example, that can mean moving routers away from windows and into a cooler, darker spot in the house.
Prepare ahead of time. Follow your local weather reports and prepare for potential internet outages so you won’t be caught unaware.