Agricultural drones are changing how Aussie farmers manage crops. They help map fields, monitor plant health, and spray chemicals fast. This saves time and cuts costs. But when the skies turn grey, things can get tricky. Weather doesn’t just delay flights—it changes how well drones work, how safe they are, and how useful their data becomes.
You can’t ignore the weather if you rely on agricultural drones. One wrong gust or shift in temperature can throw off your whole plan. This article unpacks how different weather conditions affect drone performance, safety, and results—and what farmers can do to stay in control.
Whether you’re flying for aerial spraying or crop mapping, understanding the skies above can make or break your tech investment. See how rain, wind, and heat can impact your next drone flight.
1. Wind: The Invisible Obstacle Farmers Face
Wind is a major challenge for drone operators. It affects everything from stability to battery use. Lightweight drones, which are common in farming, are especially prone to wind drift. When gusts pick up, drones use more power just to stay balanced, draining batteries faster than usual.
Here’s what else wind can do:
- Blow chemicals off target during spraying
- Shift flight paths mid-mission, making data less accurate
- Knock drones off-course, raising the risk of crashes
If wind speeds go over 30 km/h, many drones won’t fly safely. Even if they do, the data they collect might be skewed. Strong winds can cause vibration in drone cameras, leading to blurry images and poor mapping.
Some newer models adjust automatically, but even then, you’re pushing your luck. Planning matters. Farmers should check wind forecasts before take-off and stick to early mornings or late afternoons when winds are usually calm.
You can also choose sturdier models with better resistance. For more, see the guide on key considerations when choosing the right drone for your farm.
2. Rain: Small Drops, Big Problems
Drones don’t like rain. Even a drizzle can cause problems. Most commercial ag drones are not fully waterproof. Water can short-circuit electronics, fog up cameras, or cause slipping during landings.
Wet conditions also:
- Reduce visibility for visual navigation systems
- Affect drone sensors, especially infrared and multispectral ones
- Lead to streaks or spots on imagery
And if you’re doing aerial spraying, wet leaves won’t absorb chemicals well. This reduces the effectiveness of treatments. Plus, the added moisture can increase chemical runoff, causing waste and possible environmental harm.
Some high-end drones come with water-resistant features. But even then, they’re built for light mist, not downpours. It’s safer to delay flights until the weather clears.
To stay productive, farmers should track local radar data and schedule flights around weather windows. This is where smart planning and local forecasts pay off.
Learn more about understanding the role of drones in 21st-century farming.
3. Heat and Sun: Too Much of a Good Thing
Sunny days are ideal for drone flying, right? Not always. Extreme heat can create as many problems as rain or wind. High temperatures affect drones in several ways:
- Battery efficiency drops fast in heat
- Cameras may overheat or shut down
- Sensors can become less accurate
Also, glare from the sun can mess with vision-based navigation systems. Strong light can wash out images or confuse object detection software.
In remote areas, flying in the middle of the day can put the drone—and the data—at risk. Batteries work best between 15°C and 35°C. Go beyond that, and your flight time shrinks.
Farmers in the outback or tropical zones need to plan early flights and store equipment in cool, shaded spaces. Avoid letting batteries sit in hot cars or direct sun.
When handled right, sunny days are perfect for detailed mapping. But timing is key. Stick to mornings or late afternoons when the sun is lower and temperatures are stable.
There are big efficiency and sustainability gains from using drones in agriculture, but only if you fly smart.
4. Cold Weather and Frost: The Silent Disruptors
Cold doesn’t seem dangerous at first glance. But drones are machines—and machines don’t like frost. Low temperatures slow down battery performance, making drones crash-prone and short-lived in the air.
Frosty conditions can:
- Lower flight time by up to 40%
- Affect camera lenses and sensors
- Freeze parts mid-flight if not properly maintained
One issue often overlooked is condensation. When a cold drone is brought into a warm space, water droplets can form inside. This damages circuits and fogs up optical components.
To reduce the risk:
- Store batteries in warm, insulated cases
- Let drones warm up indoors before flight
- Use silica packs in cases to reduce moisture
Cold also makes drones stiffer. Motors and joints may not move as smoothly. Before flying, run a short test flight to check all systems. And watch the wind—cold air can make gusts more aggressive.
5. Cloud Cover and Light Conditions
Overcast skies reduce light levels, which can affect how well drones “see.” While human eyes adjust fast, drone cameras rely on good lighting for quality images and data.
Cloudy weather impacts:
- Image clarity in mapping missions
- Multispectral accuracy for NDVI scans
- Visual flight guidance
Light matters when flying over fields. Dull skies lead to flat photos with less contrast, making it hard to detect plant stress, pests, or diseases.
It’s not all bad, though. Cloud cover can also reduce glare. This helps in some scouting tasks, especially when looking for subtle changes in soil colour or texture.
For consistent results, try to fly on days with stable light. Use manual camera settings to adjust brightness and avoid shadows. Always check your first few images before running the full mission.
6. Humidity and Moisture Levels
High humidity can mess with sensitive electronics and cause camera fogging. Even without visible rain, too much moisture in the air can seep into joints and boards.
In tropical climates, this becomes a major issue. Drones must be sealed tightly and dried thoroughly after every use. Humid air also affects barometers, making altitude readings less accurate.
What can you do?
- Keep silica packs in your drone cases
- Use anti-fog lens wipes before flight
- Store gear in dry, cool areas
While some drones have sealed components, many ag drones do not. So, avoid flying during high humidity peaks—usually early morning and late evening.
7. Barometric Pressure and Altitude Effects
Altitude and air pressure can impact flight stability. Drones use barometers to measure height. But low-pressure systems, which often come with bad weather, confuse these readings.
Inaccurate altitude leads to:
- Irregular flight paths
- Crop-spraying errors
- Poor image stitching in mapping software
This is especially true for large farms with hilly terrain. Pressure drops can cause drones to fly lower than expected, risking crops or gear.
Use terrain-following systems where possible. Also, recalibrate sensors often. If flying across changing altitudes, break the job into smaller zones.
8. Lightning and Electrical Storms: Avoid at All Costs
No brainer here—drones and lightning don’t mix. Even if storms are far off, static build-up in the atmosphere can disrupt drone signals or GPS accuracy.
Before flight, always:
- Check storm warnings
- Avoid flying within 20 km of any lightning activity
- Ground equipment properly when charging outdoors
Even professional-grade drones can’t withstand direct strikes. And during storms, radio interference can block your controller. This is not the time to test your luck.
Flying after a storm? Wait for winds to settle, then do a full gear check. Wet soil and hidden puddles can still damage drones during landings.
FAQs
1) Can drones fly in light rain or drizzle?
Most drones are not designed to handle rain. Even light drizzle can cause damage to internal circuits or sensors. Moisture can get into the gimbal or camera, leading to image distortion or short-circuits. If you’re using a drone with partial water resistance, it might survive a few drops, but you risk voiding your warranty or losing accuracy in data collection. Spraying in wet conditions also reduces how well plants absorb chemicals. Always check your drone’s IP rating and avoid unnecessary risks. The safest option is to wait for dry weather or use drones that are built for rugged, all-weather conditions.
2) What’s the best time of day to fly agricultural drones?
Morning and late afternoon are ideal. Wind speeds are usually lower during these times, and sunlight is softer, reducing glare. Midday sun can cause overheating and harsh shadows, which interfere with camera accuracy. Early flights also give farmers more time to react to the results of mapping or spraying missions. Keep an eye on humidity levels as well—early mornings might be too moist, which affects sensitive equipment. But overall, avoiding the hottest and windiest hours helps protect both the drone and the data.
How do temperature changes affect battery performance?
Drone batteries are sensitive to both heat and cold. In high temperatures, batteries drain faster and may overheat, causing flight software to shut down or reduce power. In cold weather, chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, which shortens flight time. Batteries work best between 15°C and 35°C. Always charge and store batteries at room temperature. If flying in cold zones, warm the battery before takeoff using hand warmers or insulated cases. Avoid leaving batteries in cars or direct sun. A stable battery keeps your drone in the air longer and safer.
Is it worth investing in weather-resistant drones?
Yes, especially for large farms or those in areas with unpredictable weather. Weather-resistant drones reduce downtime and extend your flying window. They’re often sealed better, resist moisture, and handle stronger winds. The upfront cost is higher, but you gain reliability and peace of mind. Look for models with good IP ratings and features like covered motors, dual GPS, and strong thermal control systems. These drones are built for the long haul, making them a smart investment for serious ag operations.
What weather app is best for drone farming?
Apps like UAV Forecast and Windy are tailored for drone use. They show key info like wind speed at different altitudes, temperature, humidity, and cloud cover. Some even predict GPS strength or satellite lock. Regular weather apps often miss these drone-specific needs. It’s also smart to check local radar and farmer-focused apps that track on-farm microclimates. Using two or three sources gives the clearest picture. Better forecasts help you plan better flights, protect your equipment, and get cleaner, more accurate data.
Stay Ahead of the Weather with Smarter Planning
Weather is a powerful force. It shapes how drones perform, how reliable your data is, and how safe your flights can be. From wind gusts to humidity and heat, every element in the sky has a say in your drone’s job. But with smart tools, the right gear, and good planning, Aussie farmers can stay ahead.
Drone tech is here to stay. But it needs a little help from the forecast. Want to make better decisions, protect your investment, and boost your crop results? Visit Precision Ag Services and take control of your farm’s skies.
Please fill out our enquiry form for more information or to make a booking.
