Abstract: The invention provides an automated tool for predicting the effects of weather on labor productivity. Using the cumulative distribution function or a like probabilistic analysis, the impact of weather on work stoppages and labor productivity is determined using historical weather data. The tool can predict delays due to weather for a specific project site, and can be adapted to projects such as those in the fields of construction, agriculture, and transportation. The output of the tool is a probabilistic analysis that enables planners to determine the likelihood of different time-to-completion scenarios, based on historical weather.

Abstract: Novel methods of deriving multivariate drought indicators are provided, these novel indices being indicators of both drought onset and persistence. Also described herein is a suite of tools and methods for drought monitoring and prediction. These tools provide probability of drought occurrence for a given region using a combination of near past and historical variables.