Help/FAQ
Forecast
The Forecast is based on the GFS model. Forecasts are available worldwide. The horizontal resolution is about 13 km. Forecasts are computed 4 times a day, at about 5h, 11h, 17h and 23h UTC. Predictions are available in time steps of 3 hours for up to 10 days into the future.
The Superforecast for Europe is based on the newest versions of regional weather prediction models. At the moment the Superforecast is available for Europe in a horizontal resolution of 7 kilometers in hourly timesteps. The forecasts are generated four times a day, at about 2h, 8h, 14h and 20h UTC. There is no time delay, all values are presented as they become available from our computers. The Superforecast for Northern America covers North America with a horizontal resolution of 5 kilometers in hourly timesteps. Forecasts are generated at about 3:30h, 9:30h, 16:30h and 22:30h UTC.
The Superforecast for Egypt uses a 7km resolution in hourly timesteps. The forecast are updated at about 3:30h, 9:30h, 15:30h and 21:30h UTC.
The Superforecast for South Africa uses a 5km resolution in hourly timesteps. The forecast are updated at about 3h, 9h, 15h and 21h UTC.
The Superforecast for the Canary Islands uses a 5km resolution in hourly timesteps. The forecast are updated at about 3:15h, 9:15h, 15:15h and 21:15h UTC.
The Superforecast for Egypt uses a 7km resolution in hourly timesteps. The forecast are updated at about 3:30h, 9:30h, 15:30h and 21:30h UTC.
The Superforecast for South Africa uses a 5km resolution in hourly timesteps. The forecast are updated at about 3h, 9h, 15h and 21h UTC.
The Superforecast for the Canary Islands uses a 5km resolution in hourly timesteps. The forecast are updated at about 3:15h, 9:15h, 15:15h and 21:15h UTC.
We always want to present you the best forecasts. Unfortunately, the forecasts for some spots and some wind directions are not as good as we want them to be. There are local effects and thermal influences at these spots, which are very hard to predict. If you surf for many years at your local spot you may know these peculiarities. But we are already working on this problem.
It is also possible that the general weather situation is very unstable, so that all numerical weather prediction models have problems forecasting the development of the weather situation. The path of pressure systems (high / low pressure) is crucial for the wind conditions. The computation of this path can be wrong if there are unstable weather situations.
Further the forecast quality declines with longer forecast horizons (e.g. 3 days or longer). This is a general problem with weather prediction models.
It is also possible that the general weather situation is very unstable, so that all numerical weather prediction models have problems forecasting the development of the weather situation. The path of pressure systems (high / low pressure) is crucial for the wind conditions. The computation of this path can be wrong if there are unstable weather situations.
Further the forecast quality declines with longer forecast horizons (e.g. 3 days or longer). This is a general problem with weather prediction models.
Forecast and Superforecast are based on different physical models. These models may predict the weather dynamics in different ways which results in different wind forecasts. Different values are a sign for the stability of the general weather situation.
In the spot/location forecast and on the forecast maps the wind speed and direction is predicted for 10 meters above ground. Air temperature and relative humidity is predicted for 2 meters above ground and all the other parameters are predicted for ground level.
The arrows are aligned with the wind stream direction. Example: a northerly wind (e.g. a wind that is coming from the north, blowing to the south) is indicated with an arrow pointing downward.
Predicted wind directions use true north as the reference.
Because of the better horizontal resolution, a more advanced physical model and a more detailed terrain model the Superforecast should be preferred. In addition, all predicted values are available in hourly timesteps.
In general, you have to look for your local spot which forecast model works better for you. For some spots this will be the Superforecast, for others this may also be the Forecast.
In general, you have to look for your local spot which forecast model works better for you. For some spots this will be the Superforecast, for others this may also be the Forecast.
The wind gusts are computed by our forecast models. The forecasted values correspond to the maximum wind gusts at the given time.
The air pressure is measured at the elevation of the weather station. The forecasted air pressure is calculated for the elevation of the location.
The precipitation is given in an amount per time span. The precipitation amount is accumulated in the time span before the forecast time is valid. The time span length depends on the used forecast model (Forecast or Superforecast).
In addition to our spot forecasts we also have forecast maps for both Forecast and Superforecast. There is also a animation for every forecast map. Forecast maps give you a better picture of the general weather situation. There you can clearly see whether you are in the middle of a big wind field or if your local spot is barely touched by the wind field.
This is the Windfinder Windpreview. This tool allows you to view the current wind forecast at a glance. The colors and bar heights correspond to the forecasted wind speed - this allows you to quickly see days with high or low wind speeds. Click on one of the days to see the detailed forecast for the selected day.
The colors indicate the wind speed. Here is the used wind speed scale (all values are given in Knots):
- 0
- 2
- 4
- 6
- 8
- 10
- 12
- 14
- 16
- 18
- 20
- 22
- 24
- 26
- 28
- 30
- 32
- 34
- 36
- 38
- 40
- 42
- 44
- 46
- 48
- 50
- > 50
The wave forecasts are computed with the global wave forecast model WW3 run by the American Weather Service NOAA. The forecasted wave values only give an estimation about the expected waves. Local conditions at the beaches can modify these values.
The wave forecast for the Mediterranean and Baltic sea is a regional high-resolution WW3 model run by the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC). The forecasted wave values only give an estimation about the expected waves. Local conditions at the beaches can modify these values.
The wave forecast for the Mediterranean and Baltic sea is a regional high-resolution WW3 model run by the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC). The forecasted wave values only give an estimation about the expected waves. Local conditions at the beaches can modify these values.
Wave forecasts are available only for locations on the open oceanic coast.
We are always interested in your experiences with our forecasts for your local spot. If you have any feedback, suggestions or questions, don't hesitate to send a mail to support@windfinder.com
All date and time values are in local time of the weather station.
We do not archive raw forecast data, we only archive measurements from our weather stations. If you want to receive past weather data, have a look at our historical weather data request page.
If the weather data does not update please click on the "Reload" button of your browser. If that does not help press and hold the "shift" key on your keyboard and click on the "Reload" button of your browser. You can also try to clear the browser cache.
Please send us the exact name as given by Windfinder and link (URL) of the location and let us know the correct name and/or correct geocoordinates.
Yes, you can embed the Windfinder widgets into your website: https://www.windfinder.com/apps/homepageweather/. However it is not allowed to embed these widgets into apps If you need data for an app or customized weather data please send us a mail to info@windfinder.com
Report
The blue line indicates the average wind speed, the red line indicates the wind gusts. Please note that wind gusts are not available for all weather station and/or on all measurements.
You can watch measurement data for up to seven days in the past. To access these just select your preferred date in the "Past data" menu on the right hand side over the report chart. If your requested date is older than seven days, have a look at our historical weather data request page.
The weather observations are provided by weather station owners or third parties. The inaccurate or false measurements can be due to damage of the weather station sensors or transmissions errors.
The weather observations are provided by weather station owners or third parties. We display the observations as soon as we receive them.
Windfinder gets live observations from several thousand private and public weather stations. These weather stations can be damaged, have transmission problems, be broken or completely destroyed or removed.
The height of the anemometer is different for each weather station. For official weather stations the sensor height is usually at least five meters above ground.
Statistics
The wind statistics are generated from wind speed measurements at our weather stations. These are based on real measurements, not only forecasts. We only use the measurements from the daytime hours to compute the statistics. The statistics are refreshed at the beginning of each month.
As the wind statistics are generated based on real wind speed measurements, the main factor in the wind statistics accuracy is the location and setup of the weather station itself. For example it may be placed in a wind shadow area for some directions which will affect the wind readings. If you want to report such a weather station or if you know another local weather station that gives better results, don't hesitate to contact us via email to info@windfinder.com.
The wind direction distribution shows the percentage with which the wind blows from certain directions.
The percentage indicates the number of observations over 4 Beaufort in relation to the number of all observations. For example if there were 1000 observations in one month and 450 of these observed a wind speed of 4 Beaufort or more then the wind probability for that month is 45%.
Tides
Windfinder uses local and historical data and scientific algorithms to calculate tides. The effects on tides by air pressure or winds are not considered in the tides calculations.
Tide heights are given relative to the "datum" which in most cases is one of several benchmarks corresponding to low tides of varying extremeness. The preferred benchmark in the U.S. is Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). The odds of the predicted tide getting below MLLW on any given day are about half. The preferred benchmark in the Netherlands is Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS). MLWS is lower than MLLW. The predicted tide will get below MLWS on average only about twice a month. The preferred benchmark in Germany is Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT). LAT is the lowest tide predicted over a 19 year period. The predicted tide will not get below LAT in that 19 year period, and is unlikely to get below it by any significant amount ever. Some U.S. locations for which a MLLW benchmark was unavailable use an estimated value of MLLW that is derived from the predictions. These estimates tend to yield predictions that differ from National Ocean Service published tables by (0.1 to 0.2) ft.
Tide forecasts are available only for spots near a tide station. Windfinder has tide forecast available for approximately 8000 tide stations worldwide.
Windfinder uses the tide forecast from the nearest tide station / tide gauge.
Severe weather warnings
We offer severe weather warnings in cooperation with Meteogroup and their Severe Weather Centers.
Severe Weather Centre warns by means of a multilevel warning system. It will issue warnings of gale/storm, heavy rain, heavy snow, freezing rain, and thunderstorms (with heavy rain, hail and gale-force wind gusts). Beyond that, Severe Weather Centre gives advices on glazed frost and icy roads, severe frost and heat.
Severe Weather Centre warns by means of a multilevel warning system: YELLOW is the weather watch level which is issued if the occurrence of a severe weather event is probable but there are uncertainties about duration, intensity and/or the course of this severe weather event. The warning levels ORANGE, RED and VIOLET are flash warnings. These warnings are issued if meteorologists are certain about the occurrence of a severe weather event. The warning levels are dependent on the intensity of the severe weather. They vary from area to area to account for the different topographic and climatologic conditions.
Flash warnings of the warning levels ORANGE, RED and VIOLET are issued if the occurrence of a severe weather event is certain. This is generally 6 to 12 hours before the occurrence of such an event. Depending on the type of severe weather or weather conditions weather watches and flash warnings may be issued more shortly. Weather watches (YELLOW) are issued up to 48 hours in advance as the occurrence of the event may not be certain or there may be greater changes in time or in the intensity and in the moving direction of the forthcoming severe weather. The Severe Weather Centre team of meteorologists strives to warn of imminent severe weather as early and reliably as possible.
Maps
Your browser can inform us about your approximate position. We use this data to center the maps over your position. The data is not stored by us or used for any other features of the website. Have a look at the Firefox Geolocation description page (other browsers work similar).
The arrows are aligned with the wind stream direction. Example: a northerly wind (e.g. a wind that is coming from the north, blowing to the south) is indicated with an arrow pointing downward.
You can switch between animated forecast map and solid color map by activating "Gradient" or "Edges" mode.
For faster navigation you can also use our keyboard shortcuts while navigating on the map. Here is a list of our supported commands:
← , →: Forecast time navigation
↑ , ↓: Cycle through weather layers
+ , -: Zoom in and out
1, 2, 3...: Direct selection of weather layer
M: Switch between weather forecast models
G: Switch between map display styles
U: Cycle through available units
S: Activate search mode
Units
You can change your preferred units on our settings page.
The arrows are aligned with the wind stream direction. Example: a northerly wind (e.g. a wind that is coming from the north, blowing to the south) is indicated with an arrow pointing downward.
Favorites
The favorites can only be saved if you use your browser in normal mode (not incognito / private mode). Please make sure to activate cookies for the Windfinder website and that you do not clear your browser data after each session.
iPhone app / iPad app
Please check if your date, time and timezone is set properly - best option would be to set these to automatic. Most of the time that's the reason why this error occurs. If the error persists, don't hesitate to contact us, we will help you out then.
All date and time values are in local time of the weather station.
The free version is ad-supported, the Pro version does not contain any ads. The Pro version also features the Superforecast, our high resolution weather forecast model and forecast maps. Find more information about our weather forecast models here. Future new features might only be available in the Pro version.
The blue line indicates the average wind speed, the red line indicates the wind gusts. Please note that wind gusts are not available for all weather station and/or on all measurements.
The "h" stands for hour. "8h" means 8am, "9h" means 9am, "20h" means 8pm and so on.
We have two different forecast models. A normal forecast and a high resolution forecast models. See "Which one is better, Forecast or Superforecast?".
Expert mode also displays the apparent temperature and the amount of predicted precipitation (in mm or in) and the wind direction in degrees or cardinal direction.
No, the Windfinder App for iOS and Android are separate apps. The Windfinder apps for iOS and Android are developed and maintained separately for each platform. It is technically not possible to transfer a license for the Windfinder Pro app from one platform to the other. If you have a Windfinder Pro app and you switch from iOS to Android or vice versa you will need to purchase the Pro version in the App Store or the Google Play Store.
Please make sure that you have a stable internet connection via cellphone network or WiFi and download the app again. If you have any problems with the payment process please contact Apple or Google. They manage the payment and download process in the Appstore / Google Play.
No, you buy the app once and can use it forever.
You can cancel your subscription at any time. Manage your payment data and renewal settings in your Google Play Store Account.
Android app
Please check if your date, time and timezone is set properly - best option would be to set these to automatic. Most of the time that's the reason why this error occurs. If the error persists, don't hesitate to contact us, we will help you out then.
This error is mainly caused by weak connection signals. Please make sure your connection indicators on the top right of the screen are green and you are using a strong internet connection, WiFi preferred.
Please make sure that the Google account that you used to buy the app is active on your device.
All date and time values are in local time of the weather station.
The free version is ad-supported, the Pro version does not contain any ads. The Pro version also features the Superforecast, our high resolution weather forecast model and forecast maps. Find more information about our weather forecast models here. Future new features might only be available in the Pro version.
The blue line indicates the average wind speed, the red line indicates the wind gusts. Please note that wind gusts are not available for all weather station and/or on all measurements.
The "h" stands for hour. "8h" means 8am, "9h" means 9am, "20h" means 8pm and so on.
We have two different forecast models. A normal forecast and a high resolution forecast models. See "Which one is better, Forecast or Superforecast?".
Expert mode also displays the apparent temperature and the amount of predicted precipitation (in mm or in) and the wind direction in degrees or cardinal direction.
Press the search icon (magnifying glass) to search for your preferred location. Use the map to find locations nearby or navigate on the map to find the location you are interested in. If you already know the name of the location you are searching for, enter the name at the top of the screen. Tap on the map marker or list entry to see the forecast for that location. On the forecast screen, hit the plus-icon on the bottom right to save this location as a favorite.
Please press and hold a favorite until it is marked. Then press the trash can icon on the top right.
Downloading previously purchased apps is possible in Google Play. You won't be charged again. Please make sure that you are using the same account that you used for the purchase of the app.
No, the Windfinder App for iOS and Android are separate apps. The Windfinder apps for iOS and Android are developed and maintained separately for each platform. It is technically not possible to transfer a license for the Windfinder Pro app from one platform to the other. If you have a Windfinder Pro app and you switch from iOS to Android or vice versa you will need to purchase the Pro version in the App Store or the Google Play Store.
Please make sure that you have a stable internet connection via cellphone network or WiFi and download the app again. If you have any problems with the payment process please contact Apple or Google. They manage the payment and download process in the Appstore / Google Play.
No, you buy the app once and can use it forever.
You can cancel your subscription at any time. Manage your payment data and renewal settings in your Google Play Store Account.
Yes - the subscription is valid for all devices with the same Google account.
These are subscriptions - you can cancel at any time in your Google Play Store Account.
Please make sure that your payment to Google was processed correctly. For refunds and issues with your payment please check the Google Play help.
With our "Remove Ads" product, you won’t be distracted by ads inside our Windfinder app any more. Buy Windfinder Pro to get more features like:
- Home screen widgets
- Superforecast, our high resolution hourly weather prediction model for Europe, North America, South Africa, Egypt and the Canary Islands
- Windpreview - 10 day wind forecast at a glance
- Animated wind forecast maps - all features
For issues with your payment please check the Google Play help.
You won't be charged again. Please make sure that you are using the same Google account on your new phone that you used for the purchase of our subscription.}
Windfinder weather station and webcam
Please submit the webcam at our partner website https://www.webcams.travel/add/. After validation the snapshot of the webcam will appear on Windfinder automatically.
You are welcome to share your weather observations with Windfinder at: https://www.windfinder.com/weather-station/add.htm
We offer a plug-and-play weather station and webcam system at: https://www.windfinder.com/weather-station/
You need a mast or pole to install the sensors and electricity and internet access to upload the data to the internet. Please make sure that the sensors of the weather station are installed in a location where the wind can blow freely so that you get accurate wind readings. We recommend that you use a mast or pole (at least 2 meters long) and attach it on top of a roof. I might be useful to make test measurements at the planned installation site to see if the wind readings from the weather station will be accurate.
You will find an image from the Ubiquiti Aircam at Marina Sonwik in Flensburg/Germany. There are sample video streams of the Aircam (1280x720 px) available as well as sample video with Full HD (1920x1080 px and 30 frames per second).
When the weather station is installed in the Northern hemisphere you need to make sure that the solar panel on the sensor suite is oriented towards the south (180°). If you are in the southern hemisphere you need to align the solar panel on the sensor suite northwards. In the latter case you need to log into the Meteobridge at http://magicip.meteobridge.com, go the tab "Select station" and enter the value 180 in the field "wind direction" and and click "Save".
If you don't have fixed line internet access you can buy a UMTS router, a SIM card and a cellphone network provider. The weather station and webcam are simply connected to the UMTS router the same way as you would connect them to a DSL router.
We recommend that you simply purchase the upload mini computer Meteobridge. The Meteobridge allows easy automatic weather upload to Windfinder. You don't need a PC anymore to upload your data to Windfinder. Before getting the Meteobridge check your weather station for compatibility.
If you don’t want to purchase a Meteobridge then please submit your weather station information to us. We will then send you instructions for uploading your data.
If you don’t want to purchase a Meteobridge then please submit your weather station information to us. We will then send you instructions for uploading your data.
If you still do not see any data then open the battery compartment on the underside of the Vantage Vue sensor suite. Make sure that the battery is placed properly (with plus and minus pole) in the battery compartment. To verify power, wait 30 seconds then push and release the white transmitter ID push button next to the battery compartment. The green transmitter ID LED next to the battery compartment will illuminate when you press the push button. Note: Press the push button once and release it. Do not press it multiple times or hold it down.
Open a browser like Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or Opera and type into the address bar: http://magicip.meteobridge.com. Login with your user name and password. The default user name is meteobridge and the default password is meteobridge. Go to the tab tab Live data. Check if live data is displayed. If there is no live data then please unplug the electricity (USB) cable from the Meteobridge and plug it in again. Wait 45 seconds and repeat this step again until you see the live data.
In the same tab "Live data" there is a box "Weather network status". If it says "Windfinder: success" then the weather data is uploaded to Windfinder. If there is an error you need to check your internet connection.
Open a browser like Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or Opera and type into the address bar: http://magicip.meteobridge.com. Login with your user name and password. The default user name is meteobridge and the default password is meteobridge. Go to the tab tab Live data. Check if live data is displayed. If there is no live data then please unplug the electricity (USB) cable from the Meteobridge and plug it in again. Wait 45 seconds and repeat this step again until you see the live data.
In the same tab "Live data" there is a box "Weather network status". If it says "Windfinder: success" then the weather data is uploaded to Windfinder. If there is an error you need to check your internet connection.
Open a web browser and type http://magicip.meteobridge.com into the address bar. Log into the Meteobridge with your user name and password. The default user name is meteobridge and the default password is meteobridge. Go to the tab "Weather Network". In the box "Windfinder" copy the text from the field user name (for example: tarifa) and add it to the following string: www.windfinder.com/report/{user name} (in the example: www.windfinder.com/report/tarifa).
If this gives an error message wait until the next day and try again. Note: This will only work if the upload from your weather station works (see above).
If this gives an error message wait until the next day and try again. Note: This will only work if the upload from your weather station works (see above).
Please go to our partner website webcams.travel and submit your webcam. The webcam image will appear a few days later on Windfinder.
As soon as your weather station is connected to Windfinder you can get free advertising on Windfinder. Please follow the instructions on our advertising FAQ page and send us a banner. We will publish the banner on the weather pages of your location on the Windfinder website.
As soon as your weather station (purchased at our partner Weerhuisje) is connected to electricity and your internet access the data will be uploaded automatically to Windfinder. After installation you should receive an e-mail from Windfinder with a short explanation how to embed the weather data into your site. If you have not received this e-mail please go to our Homepageweather configuration page and search for your weather station on the map. Once you have found your weather station click "Configure homepage widget" and follow the instructions.
Please log into your Meteobridge at http://magicip.meteobridge.com and go to the tab "Push Services". Follow the instructions on the Meteobridge website to configure your push service.
The maximum reach of the radio signal is 100 meters. If you need to cover a greater distance then you need to buy a weather station like the Vantage Vue with the console unit.. The console covers about 300 meters distance for the radio signal and you also get a display unit. With the display unit you can show/monitor the weather data on site. However the console is also more expensive.
Yes, you will need the Ubiquiti airGateway.
If you want to show the live data to the people at the installation site you will need the Davis console.
Please log into the Meteobridge at http://magicip.meteobrige.com. Enter your user name and password, go to the tab "System". In the section "Security" at "Internet login" please check "Allow login from the Internet via this URL". After checking the check box click "Save and apply" on the bottom and e-mail us the link at "This URL". We can then log into the Meteobridge and configure your weather station.
In this case you can connect your Meteobridge to the router via WiFi (wireless LAN). Please log into the Meteobridge at http://magicip.meteobrige.com. Enter your user name and password, go to the tab "Setup Network" and follow the instructions on the Meteobridge page.
The Ubiquiti Aircam and the Unifi and Unifi Pro can generate a live stream (live video). We have set up a guide on how to put this live stream onto your website, but we do not provide any support for this.
Yes, you can purchase a webcam compatible with the Meteobridge like the Ubiquiti Aircam, the Ubiquiti Unifi or the Ubiquiti Unifi Pro. Simply connect the camera to your router and follow the instructions in the installation manual in the chapter "Webcam".
The weather station itself is powered by a solar panel and it transmits its weather data to the Meteostick and Meteobridge over a distance of up to 100 meters. The Meteostick, Meteobridge and the webcam need electric power. We are currently working on a solar panel solution. Please stay tuned!