detailed wind forecasts

[lindsay]

Just heard that the following site provides detailed and accurate wind forecasts anywhere in the world, particularly interesting in the Mediterranean, although there is no forecast of swell.

www.windfinder.com

A first look shows it seems to be user friendly.

 

[lenseman]

Google for and then download the file from "UGRIB".

http://www.grib.us/Downloads/tabid/56/Default.aspx

It is also free, worldwide and accurate. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[BobnLesley]

I've used windfinder, but my own preference, for coastal cruising/passages is www.windguru.cz

 

[HoratioHB]

I use windguru amongst other things in the caribbean - but always add 5 knots to their wind speeds !!

 

[KellysEye]

Windguru and UGRIB both use the GFS model thus the data is the same but the presentation is different. We've found GFS to be the most reliable model but tending to slightly overestimate wind. Windfinder looks to be the same in format as Windguru, GFS too?

 

[Conachair]

I've found wind guru, ugrib etc very accurate once away from local effects of islands and land, wind speeds seem a bit on the high side though doesn't ugribs site say someing in a faq about wind speeds being for 10m? Very much like windfinders "windreport" tab for what's really happening nearby.
Do they all use GFS? What other models are there?

 

[Blue5]

I think you will find that all surface winds are measured or forecast at 10m, this appears to be the industry standard.

 

[KellysEye]

Both the UK Met Office and the US Navy (named NOGAPS ) have models and there are at least couple of others I believe. Like you we've found GFS to be acceptably accurate even at seven days, which is quite remarkable.

Chris Parker, the Caribbean forecaster, looks at (I think) five different models inclding the three mentioned but he also says that GFS is usually the most accurate.

 

[ski]

See what Frank Singleton says on another thread"Which weather internet site is the best"