Did you know that pavement temperature, not just air temperature, plays a crucial role in determining how much salt should be applied to roads during winter weather?
As pavement temperatures drop, the effectiveness of salt in melting snow and ice decreases, meaning that more salt is required to ensure safe driving conditions. For example, less salt needs to be applied per kilometre of road at -4°C compared to -8°C. Once pavement temperatures drop below -12°C, salt may become ineffective, and other treatments like sand may be used to increase traction on roads.
Pavement temperatures can also differ significantly from air temperatures. During the day, pavement can easily reach temperatures more than 10°C warmer than the air under sunny skies. But at night, pavement temperatures may drop below air temperatures as they radiate heat.
It’s important for winter maintenance professionals to monitor pavement temperatures carefully. Using the right amount of salt at the right time can make a significant difference in maintaining safety, optimizing resources, and minimizing environmental impact.
At Weatherlogics, we provide precise pavement temperature forecasts to help winter maintenance teams apply salt efficiently and keep roads clear. Research shows that for every dollar invested in weather monitoring technology, there can be up to a $20 return to the economy. Efficient winter maintenance means spending less money while achieving better results. This not only reduces accidents and delays, benefiting everyone, but also minimizes the amount of salt that enters the environment.
