How does the forecast work?

Windyweek uses numerical weather models for local wind and weather forecasts. Regional short-range forecasts are joined by hourly WeatherNext 3 (WN3), ECMWF IFS (IFS) and Windyweek Mix. Mix combines WN3 and IFS using the rules described on the forecast models page. Separate long-range forecasts remain available.

What is a high resolution forecast?

Let's first explain what a resolution is. The model's resolution defines the geographic size of grid boxes in which the model performs its calculations. The smaller the grid box, the better the model can simulate localized features. With "high resolution" we mean smaller grid.

Why is a high resolution forecast important to me?

The high resolution forecast can simulate pretty local features such as sea breeze, thermal winds or funneling effects which are otherwise impossible to be "seen" by the numerical model running low or medium resolution forecast.

What regions are covered by the Windyweek forecast?

• Regional 2km and 6km forecasts cover parts of Europe. Hourly WN3, IFS and Mix cover Europe and surrounding areas. They show available hours from midnight today through the end of the day containing 72 hours from now, in the location's timezone; source data may leave some hours unavailable. See the forecast models page for coverage and model details.
  
  
• GFS provides forecasts up to 16 days ahead at 3-hour intervals, free without signing up. The model runs four times a day.

Which forecast should I choose: 2km, 6km, WN3, IFS, Mix or long range?

Use the short-range choices for the next few days. Regional 2km and 6km models can represent more local detail; WN3 and IFS provide additional forecasts, and Mix combines their available values. Comparing the choices can help reveal uncertainty. Mix has a nominal resolution of 10km, averaging its 11km and 9km sources. Use the separate long-range forecasts for dates beyond the short-range window.

Is only the wind predicted? What about temperature, rain, snow and cloudiness?

Forecasts include wind speed, gusts and direction, temperature, cloudiness, precipitation, humidity and mean sea level pressure where available. Snowfall is unavailable for WN3 and Mix; their precipitation is total water equivalent. Mix uses IFS gusts, with a wind-based estimate when IFS is unavailable. Missing values are not forecasts of zero.

How frequently does Wave Forecast update and what is the data resolution?

The Wave Forecast is updated twice per day, at around 14:30 и 22:30 GMT time. The data resolution is 0.025 degree (~2.5km).

How frequently does Sea Surface Temperature update and what is the data resolution?

Sea Surface Temperature data updates daily at around 12:00 GMT time and it is powered by global hyper-resolution (1km) Sea Surface Temperature dataset.

What does the Seasonal guide show?

It's 15 years of past weather, month by month. Pick the wind speed you need and you'll see how many days a month usually reach it, and what those days are like — wind, direction and air temperature, all in daylight hours. Water temperature is shown separately. It covers calm days too, so it stays the same whatever speed you pick.

Is the Seasonal guide available for every spot?

Not yet. For now the guide only covers some spots in and around Greece and Bulgaria — if a spot has one, you'll see a Seasonal guide tab on its page. We only show sea temperature where we have data we trust, and lake temperatures aren't in the guide at all.

Is the Seasonal guide a forecast?

No. It's a look at past years, not a forecast. The figures come from a weather model calculated for the last 15 years, not from measurements taken on the beach. So the guide can show you which months tend to be windy at a spot, but it won't say anything about next weekend. Choose your season from the guide, then check the forecast closer to the day.

Does Windyweek have a native iOS and/or Android app?

Our Android App is available on Google Play Store.
We plan to roll out the iOS app by Q4 2025. Stay tuned for details.

What are the benefits of signing up vs. anonymous access?

• Access to the Weather Maps.
• Create private spots.
• Maintain your own list of favorite spots for easier access.