JCT Adverse Weather Extensions of Time

Objective weather evidence for JCT extensions of time claims. Automated data collection, historical comparison, and activity impact analysis. Demonstrate that conditions were genuinely exceptional.

Understanding JCT Adverse Weather Claims

Under JCT contracts (Clause 2.26.9), contractors can claim extensions of time when "exceptionally adverse weather conditions" prevent progress on the works. Unlike NEC4, JCT does not prescribe a specific statistical test — the contractor must demonstrate that conditions were genuinely exceptional for the time of year and location.

This makes objective, historical weather data essential. Without a clear statistical comparison, claims often fail because the contractor cannot prove that conditions went beyond what should reasonably have been expected and planned for.

What Counts as Exceptionally Adverse Weather

The JCT test requires demonstrating that weather was significantly worse than would reasonably be expected. Objective data is essential.

Prolonged Heavy Rainfall

Extended periods of rainfall that significantly exceed historical averages for the location and time of year, preventing earthworks, concreting, or other weather-sensitive activities.

Sustained High Winds

Wind speeds that exceed safe working limits for crane operations, scaffolding, and other height-dependent activities over a period that goes beyond normal seasonal variation.

Extreme Cold and Frost

Prolonged freezing conditions or unexpected late frost events that prevent concrete pours, bricklaying, or other temperature-sensitive construction activities.

Exceptional Snowfall

Snow accumulation or blizzard conditions that go beyond seasonal norms, causing site shutdowns and access restrictions that could not reasonably have been anticipated.

Combined Severe Conditions

Combinations of adverse weather — such as wind and rain together — that individually might be manageable but collectively prevent safe or effective working.

Flooding and Waterlogging

Site flooding or ground conditions rendered unworkable by accumulated rainfall, where the duration and intensity exceeded what would normally be expected.

How WeatherWise Supports JCT Claims

Building the objective evidence that JCT adverse weather claims require.

1

Automated Recording

Continuous weather data capture at your site from project start. Builds the contemporaneous record that JCT claims depend on.

2

Historical Comparison

Compares actual conditions against 45+ years of historical data to demonstrate that weather was genuinely exceptional for the time and place.

3

Activity Impact Analysis

Links weather events to specific activities in your programme, demonstrating which works were affected and how the critical path was impacted.

4

Evidence Packages

Generate professional PDF evidence reports formatted for JCT claims, including daily records, statistical analysis, and activity impact assessment.

Evidence Requirements for JCT Extensions of Time

The key evidence elements needed to support a JCT adverse weather claim.

Proof of Exceptional Conditions

Objective data demonstrating that weather was significantly worse than would reasonably be expected. WeatherWise provides the statistical comparison against 45+ years of historical data.

Impact on Progress

Demonstration that adverse weather actually prevented or delayed progress on the works. WeatherWise links weather conditions to activity-specific thresholds and critical path impact.

Contemporaneous Records

Records captured at the time the weather occurred, not compiled retrospectively. WeatherWise records automatically every day, creating an unbroken evidence trail.

Timely Notification

JCT requires prompt notification of delay events. WeatherWise alerts flag adverse conditions as they occur, supporting timely notification compliance.

Historical Context

Comparison data showing where actual conditions fall relative to the historical distribution. WeatherWise uses 45+ years of ERA-5 data for robust statistical context.

Professional Evidence Reports

Clear, auditable PDF reports with data visualisation and statistical analysis, formatted for use in JCT extension of time applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What makes weather "exceptionally adverse" under JCT?
Weather that is significantly worse than would reasonably be expected for the time of year and location. Unlike NEC4, JCT does not specify a fixed statistical test, so objective historical comparison data is essential to demonstrate that conditions were genuinely exceptional.
How does WeatherWise help prove weather was exceptional?
WeatherWise compares actual conditions against 45+ years of historical data at your site coordinates, providing statistical evidence of where conditions fall relative to the historical distribution for the time of year. This objective data is far stronger than subjective site observations alone.
Do I need to demonstrate critical path impact?
Yes. Under JCT, you must show that the adverse weather caused delay to the completion date. WeatherWise links weather events to affected activities in your programme, demonstrating which works were impacted and how this affected the critical path.
When should I notify under JCT?
As soon as the weather event is apparent and likely to cause delay. WeatherWise weather alerts flag adverse conditions in real time, helping you maintain timely notification compliance throughout the project.
Can I use WeatherWise data retrospectively?
Yes. WeatherWise has access to 45+ years of historical ERA-5 data, so you can generate evidence reports and baseline comparisons for any past period, even if you were not using the platform at the time.

Start Building Your JCT Evidence Trail Today

No card required. Automated weather recording and historical comparison starts the moment you create your project.