We always expect to seamlessly receive our packages until we get some exceptions rendering the statuses stuck on specific updates.
One of the most recent USPS tracking statuses we have had is “Processing exception, regional weather delay.”
What could that mean? How many more days do I have to wait before receiving my package? Is there anything I could do to necessitate a faster delivery?
What Does Processing Exception, Regional Weather Delay Mean?
This USPS tracking status means that due to inclement weather conditions in a specific region, packages can’t be processed as expected, and they will therefore, get delayed for several days after the estimated delivery date.
As you are perhaps aware at that point, no one is in control over how the weather conditions shape up.
Under the Latest Update Tab, USPS will tell you, “Your shipment has potentially been delayed due to weather conditions” to let you know that the package is still on its way whenever the weather becomes clearer.
Which 5 Conditions Can Prompt The USPS Weather Delay Exceptions?
Snow and Ice
- Road closures and restrictions: Snow and ice can make roads hazardous and lead to closures or restrictions on transportation routes. This affects the movement of USPS trucks and other vehicles, causing delays in the delivery process.
- Airport closures: Heavy snowfall or icy conditions can lead to the closure of airports, disrupting air cargo operations and delaying the transportation of packages.
Heavy Rain and Flooding
- Road closures and delays: Excessive rainfall can result in flooding, leading to road closures and delays in ground transportation. USPS trucks may be unable to reach their destinations, causing interruptions in the delivery network.
- Airline disruptions: Adverse weather conditions can affect flight schedules, leading to delays or cancellations. This impacts the air transportation of packages, particularly those getting shipped across long distances.
Natural Regional Disasters
Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes: Natural disasters can cause widespread disruption to transportation infrastructure. Roads may be damaged, airports closed, and entire regions may become inaccessible, causing significant delays in USPS package deliveries.
High Winds
Ground and air transport restrictions: Strong winds can affect the safe operation of trucks and aircraft. Both ground and air transportation may be restricted or delayed due to safety concerns, impacting the timely delivery of packages.
Extreme Temperatures
- Equipment malfunctions: Extreme cold or hot temperatures can lead to equipment malfunctions, such as engine failures or issues with sorting machinery. This can result in delays as the affected equipment is repaired or replaced.
- Safety concerns: Extreme temperatures can also pose safety risks to personnel involved in the transportation and delivery process, leading to operational delays.
How Long Does It Take For My Package To Move In This Scenario?
Depending on the specific weather condition that prompted the delay, it takes between 2 business days to a week or even more after processing for packages to start moving again.
For example, when the cause for the delay is due to heavy rain, packages can start moving soon enough after it subsides and there are no signs of flooding.
If it was an issue of a storm that ended up filling the roads with debris, it might take even up to a week for everything to get cleared.
Ideally, the cause of the weather delay and how easy it is to reroute the delivery vehicles are the two primary determinants of how fast or slow it will take for recent scans to be made.
What Do I Do When My USPS Package Is Delayed Due To Bad Weather?
When unforeseeable conditions lead to package delays, we usually recommend that the recipients be more patient.
It’s clearly beyond USPS’s control, and getting in touch with them about such parcels won’t make any significant difference.
If it’s a case of a time-sensitive package and you had agreed with the sender to get it delivered to you by a specific date and it’s already past the due date, you can contact them to look for an alternative.
