How GoodDayTo judges leaf-raking weather
Leaf raking is much easier when the leaves are reasonably dry and the wind is not fighting you. GoodDayTo therefore penalises rain, high rain probability, stronger sustained wind and gusts. Comfortable temperature matters as well because raking can be physical work, especially across a larger lawn or driveway.
A completely still day is not required. A light breeze may be harmless, but stronger wind can scatter piles faster than you can bag or move them. Wet leaves are heavier, cling to grass and hard surfaces, and can make the job slower. The model therefore looks for a practical dry block rather than a single moment between showers.
The forecast does not tell GoodDayTo how wet the leaves already are. A sunny morning after overnight rain can still leave a thick layer damp for hours, especially in shade. That limitation is shown clearly because the app should not turn air-weather data into fake certainty about surface condition.
Why daylight is part of the model
Leaf cleanup is normally a daylight job. Good light makes it easier to see wet patches, obstacles, drains, garden edges and small debris mixed into the leaves. GoodDayTo caps after-dark recommendations rather than suggesting a late-night chore simply because the wind dropped.
When WAIT can be useful
A WAIT result often means the weather is improving later — rain may stop, wind may ease or temperature may become more comfortable. That can be more useful than a binary yes/no because waiting two hours may turn an annoying cleanup into a straightforward one.
What the score cannot know
GoodDayTo cannot measure leaf moisture, lawn saturation, slippery paving, hidden objects, local green-waste collection rules, noise restrictions or whether wind-blown leaves will immediately return from neighbouring trees. Check the actual garden before starting.
- Rain probability
- Measured precipitation
- Sustained wind
- Wind gusts
- Apparent temperature
- Daylight
Practical checks before you go
- Give wet leaves time to dry before assuming a dry forecast means easy raking.
- Avoid creating piles where they can block drains or blow into the road.
- Check local green-waste or leaf-collection rules before bagging or moving large amounts.
Frequently asked questions
Why is wind penalised so much?
Stronger wind and gusts can undo piles and make collection inefficient even when it is dry.
Does GO mean the leaves are dry?
No. GO only means the forecast looks suitable; recent rain, shade and ground moisture can keep leaves wet.
Can I rake in the evening?
Early evening may work while there is useful light, but the model strongly prefers normal daylight hours.
Does the score consider collection day?
No. Waste and collection schedules are local information outside the weather model.
Should I rake leaves when they are wet?
You can, but wet leaves are heavier and harder to collect. GoodDayTo may suggest waiting for a drier window, while the actual leaf and ground condition still needs to be checked outside.