According to research, weather forecasters are surprisingly realistic about their ability to predict the weather. As a group, they expect to be correct around half the time. That's a sign of just how hard it is to predict whether it will be hot or cold, dry or wet, on any given day.

If you are a utility, like the Southern Company (NYSE: SO), the weather can matter a lot. As an investor, you need to keep this in mind -- and the first half of the year was the perfect example of why.

Southern's two main businesses involve providing its customers with reliable electricity and natural gas. These are vital sources of energy that help people live comfortable lives. The first thing you think about here will probably include powering your favorite portable device or cooking your dinner. But there's so much more.

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Source Fool.com