PredictWind Unveils New Weather Forecasting Feature

PredictWind, a marine weather forecasting service based in Auckland, N.Z., has introduced a new Climate Data feature. The company says the new element can empower sailors and mariners to make more informed decisions about the best times to travel by offering month-to-month insights into average, wind, wave and weather conditions for any location worldwide.

“This historical data is unique,” said PredictWind founding director Jon Bilger in a statement. “We have used phenomenal amounts of computing power to collate and average the data for the entire world in 30 km resolution.”

The Climate Data feature provides users with rolling averages of weather conditions from the last 10 years, using observed historical weather data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

PredictWind’s Climate Data tool gives user more accuracy when checking weather before a voyage.

Employing the new feature, a user can choose the optimal time of year for his/her next adventure by exploring the following:

  • Wind (windrose)
  • Wave (Waverose)
  • Air temperature
  • Rainfall
  • Wave height
  • Sea surface temperature
  • Cloud coverage
  • Highest wind gusts
  • Thunderstorm probability
  • Visualizing weather patterns throughout the year

The climate data tool lets a user understand seasonal variability by displaying how wind, wave and other weather patterns can change across seasons. PredictWind says the feature offers insights into regions prone to extreme weather conditions like storms or high winds during certain months. The data lets mariners steer clear of dangerous areas and pick safer routes.

PredictWind says it has eliminated possible inaccuracies by using the recent data from the past decade, taking into account the impact of climate change. Traditional pilot charts rely on older, outdated weather information.

Taking things a step farther, Climate Data can cross-reference wind patterns with peak tourist seasons so a user can identify quieter months with good conditions.

PredictWind’s local knowledge provides detailed information on more than 31,650 global points of interest including 8,499 moorings and anchorages, 11,326 marinas and harbors, 3,233 boat ramps and 1,552 navigational tips. To help plan out your next trip, go to www.predictwind.com.

By Eric Colby