Launch forecast

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Flying style

ParagliderLaunch flow, lift, aloft build
ParamotorSurface wind, gusts, thermal bump
Wind settingsMPH wind · Fahrenheit tempEdit

Wind units

MPHMiles per hour
KPHKilometers per hour
KnotsAviation wind read
m/sMeters per second

Temperature

Celsius°C
Fahrenheit°F

Planning window

Next 24 hoursNext 5 daysAccount

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Current read

DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 10.1 mph, a 4.2 mph gust spread, and a 38° surface-to-flight direction change. The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer.

Paramotor modeTap to expand

Surface 6 mph, gusts 10 mph, and climb band 7 mph for Thursday, Oct 1, 7:00 AM.

Surface
6 mph
Gust
10 mph
Climb band
7 mph

Thursday, Oct 1, 7:00 AM

Right now

DEMANDING

Forecast confidence: Low

Verify the site, obstacles, rotor, and pilot limits before committing.

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Best takeoff window

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Watch-outs

  • The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
Current detailsShow
Surface flowLight
GustinessSteady
Thermal bumpLow
Drift turn54°

Surface

6 mph

33 ft · NNE

Gust spread

4 mph

Gusts 10 mph

Thermal bump

Low

CAPE 0 J/kg / sun 0 W/m2

Climb drift

2 mph

394 ft / ENE

Fripp Island private beach access permission requiredDEMANDING Right now

Hour by hour

Next 3 hours

+9 more
7:00 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 10.1 mph, a 4.2 mph gust spread, and a 38° surface-to-flight direction change. The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
6 mph – 6 mph
Gust model range
10 mph – 10 mph
Surface wind
6 mph · NNE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
7 mph – 7 mph
Gust speed (spread)
10 mph (+4)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
7 mph · ENE
Surface-to-flight direction change
38°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

Wind direction changes 38° between the surface and the forecast flight layer.

Key takeaways

  • The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
8:00 AM
ACTIVE

Active this hour because of gusts at 10.3 mph and a 4.2 mph gust spread. This gust spread may make the air feel less steady through takeoff and landing.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
6 mph – 6 mph
Gust model range
10 mph – 10 mph
Surface wind
6 mph · NE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
7 mph – 7 mph
Gust speed (spread)
10 mph (+4)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
7 mph · ENE
Surface-to-flight direction change
26°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

The ACTIVE stage is driven by gusts at 10.3 mph and a 4.2 mph gust spread.

Key takeaways

  • This gust spread may make the air feel less steady through takeoff and landing. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Newer pilots may prefer instructor guidance or a calmer window.
9:00 AM
SMOOTH

Smooth this hour because of gusts at 8.1 mph, a 2.5 mph gust spread, estimated low thermal activity with strength unknown, a 0.1 mph surface-to-flight speed change, and a 11° surface-to-flight direction change. These measurements remain within the Smooth thresholds and point to steadier powered-flight air.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
6 mph – 6 mph
Gust model range
8 mph – 8 mph
Surface wind
6 mph · NE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
5 mph – 5 mph
Gust speed (spread)
8 mph (+3)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
5 mph · NE
Surface-to-flight direction change
11°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

A 2.5 mph gust spread is the clearest favorable measurement in this hour.

Key takeaways

  • The 0.1 mph speed change points to steadier drift through the forecast flight layer. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Review launch direction, nearby obstacles, and the next forecast cycle for site context.
Show more hours

Hour by hour

10:00 AM
ACTIVE

Active this hour because of estimated building thermal activity with strength unknown. Thermals possible may add bumps, but the provider does not supply strength in fpm.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
6 mph – 6 mph
Gust model range
7 mph – 7 mph
Surface wind
6 mph · NE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
5 mph – 5 mph
Gust speed (spread)
7 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
5 mph · ENE
Surface-to-flight direction change
23°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (building activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

The ACTIVE stage is driven by estimated building thermal activity with strength unknown.

Key takeaways

  • Thermals possible may add bumps, but the provider does not supply strength in fpm. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Newer pilots may prefer instructor guidance or a calmer window.
11:00 AM
ACTIVE

Active this hour because of estimated active thermal activity with strength unknown and a 47° surface-to-flight direction change. The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
7 mph – 7 mph
Gust model range
8 mph – 8 mph
Surface wind
7 mph · NE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
4 mph – 4 mph
Gust speed (spread)
8 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
4 mph · E
Surface-to-flight direction change
47°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (active activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

Wind direction changes 47° between the surface and the forecast flight layer.

Key takeaways

  • The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Newer pilots may prefer instructor guidance or a calmer window.
12:00 PM
ACTIVE

Active this hour because of estimated active thermal activity with strength unknown and a 58° surface-to-flight direction change. The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
8 mph – 8 mph
Gust model range
8 mph – 8 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · ENE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
5 mph – 5 mph
Gust speed (spread)
8 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
5 mph · ESE
Surface-to-flight direction change
58°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (active activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

Wind direction changes 58° between the surface and the forecast flight layer.

Key takeaways

  • The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Newer pilots may prefer instructor guidance or a calmer window.
1:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of a 62° low-level direction change combined with estimated active thermal activity with strength unknown. The combined low-level change may produce changing drift and a more demanding control workload.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
7 mph – 7 mph
Gust model range
8 mph – 8 mph
Surface wind
7 mph · ENE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
8 mph – 8 mph
Gust speed (spread)
8 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
8 mph · SE
Surface-to-flight direction change
62°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (active activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 62° low-level direction change combined with estimated active thermal activity with strength unknown.

Key takeaways

  • The combined low-level change may produce changing drift and a more demanding control workload. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
2:00 PM
ACTIVE

Active this hour because of estimated active thermal activity with strength unknown and a 58° surface-to-flight direction change. The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
8 mph – 8 mph
Gust model range
9 mph – 9 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · E
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
11 mph – 11 mph
Gust speed (spread)
9 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
11 mph · SE
Surface-to-flight direction change
58°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (active activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

Wind direction changes 58° between the surface and the forecast flight layer.

Key takeaways

  • The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Newer pilots may prefer instructor guidance or a calmer window.
3:00 PM
ACTIVE

Active this hour because of estimated active thermal activity with strength unknown and a 50° surface-to-flight direction change. The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
8 mph – 8 mph
Gust model range
9 mph – 9 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · E
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
11 mph – 11 mph
Gust speed (spread)
9 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
11 mph · SE
Surface-to-flight direction change
50°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (active activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

Wind direction changes 50° between the surface and the forecast flight layer.

Key takeaways

  • The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Newer pilots may prefer instructor guidance or a calmer window.
4:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 10.7 mph, estimated active thermal activity with strength unknown, and a 38° surface-to-flight direction change. The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
9 mph – 9 mph
Gust model range
11 mph – 11 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · ESE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
11 mph – 11 mph
Gust speed (spread)
11 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
11 mph · SE
Surface-to-flight direction change
38°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (active activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

Wind direction changes 38° between the surface and the forecast flight layer.

Key takeaways

  • The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
5:00 PM
ACTIVE

Active this hour because of gusts at 10.5 mph and estimated active thermal activity with strength unknown. These gusts may add bumps and make takeoff or landing timing less consistent.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
9 mph – 9 mph
Gust model range
11 mph – 11 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · ESE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
12 mph – 12 mph
Gust speed (spread)
11 mph (+2)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
12 mph · SE
Surface-to-flight direction change
22°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (active activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

The ACTIVE stage is driven by gusts at 10.5 mph and estimated active thermal activity with strength unknown.

Key takeaways

  • These gusts may add bumps and make takeoff or landing timing less consistent. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Newer pilots may prefer instructor guidance or a calmer window.
6:00 PM
ACTIVE

Active this hour because of estimated active thermal activity with strength unknown and a 4.3 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This speed change may alter drift between launch and the forecast flight layer.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
8 mph – 8 mph
Gust model range
9 mph – 9 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · ESE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
12 mph – 12 mph
Gust speed (spread)
9 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
12 mph · SE
Surface-to-flight direction change
20°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (active activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

The ACTIVE stage is driven by estimated active thermal activity with strength unknown and a 4.3 mph surface-to-flight speed change.

Key takeaways

  • This speed change may alter drift between launch and the forecast flight layer. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Newer pilots may prefer instructor guidance or a calmer window.

Planning

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Model notes

How this read is built

Expand+
SourcesUp to 12
MethodRobust consensus
ScoringTakeoff-focused

The forecast combines up to 12 current inputs using an outlier-resistant consensus; the exact source count can vary by hour. Dedicated gust-front and terrain-specific rotor feeds remain unavailable. Treat this as a takeoff, climb, drift, and thermal-texture read. The paramotor score weights rain, surface wind, gusts, and daytime bumpiness more than absolute wind direction. It does not know your field obstacles, runway length, or local rotor. Open-Meteo Best Match can overlap the named models, so input counts do not imply independent evidence. Missing data remains unavailable; model ranges, ambiguous directions, and hazards from a minority of inputs remain visible.