Launch forecast

Selected launch

Use this point for the wind read, or expand to change the setup.

Expand+

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

Forecast point

Search a city, use browser location, or pin the exact field.

Home spot

Current read

Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 24.4 mph, a 16 mph gust spread, and a 9.9 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This speed change may produce a marked drift change between launch and low-level flight.

Paramotor modeTap to expand

Surface 8 mph, gusts 23 mph, and climb band 18 mph for Thursday, Oct 1, 2:00 AM.

Surface
8 mph
Gust
23 mph
Climb band
18 mph

Thursday, Oct 1, 2:00 AM

Right now

Dark

Forecast confidence: Low

Use the best takeoff block for daylight planning instead of launching now.

Best block

Sign up to see

Best takeoff window

Recommended timing is available with a free account.

Watch-outs

  • This speed change may produce a marked drift change between launch and low-level flight. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
Current detailsShow
Surface flowBreezy
GustinessVery gusty
Thermal bumpLow
Drift turn6°

Surface

8 mph

33 ft · S

Gust spread

15 mph

Gusts 23 mph

Thermal bump

Low

CAPE 71 J/kg / sun 0 W/m2

Climb drift

10 mph

394 ft / S

Buffalo Mountain PG Launch AreaDark Right now

Hour by hour

Next 3 hours

+9 more
2:00 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 24.4 mph, a 16 mph gust spread, and a 9.9 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This speed change may produce a marked drift change between launch and low-level flight.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (24 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 12 mph
Gust model range
18 mph – 24 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · S
Highest gust input
24 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (619 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
9 mph – 25 mph
Gust speed (spread)
23 mph (+15)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
18 mph · S
Surface-to-flight direction change
1°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 6 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 9.9 mph surface-to-flight speed change.

Key takeaways

  • This speed change may produce a marked drift change between launch and low-level flight. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
3:00 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 29.8 mph, a 21.3 mph gust spread, and a 11.5 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This speed change may produce a marked drift change between launch and low-level flight.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (30 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 12 mph
Gust model range
19 mph – 30 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · S
Highest gust input
30 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (619 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
14 mph – 26 mph
Gust speed (spread)
24 mph (+15)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
20 mph · S
Surface-to-flight direction change
2°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 6 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 11.5 mph surface-to-flight speed change.

Key takeaways

  • This speed change may produce a marked drift change between launch and low-level flight. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
4:00 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 33.8 mph, a 25.1 mph gust spread, and a 12.2 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (34 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 11 mph
Gust model range
20 mph – 34 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · S
Highest gust input
34 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (619 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
17 mph – 26 mph
Gust speed (spread)
24 mph (+15)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
21 mph · S
Surface-to-flight direction change
3°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 6 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 25.1 mph gust spread.

Key takeaways

  • This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
Show more hours

Hour by hour

5:00 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 33.1 mph, a 23.9 mph gust spread, and a 11.6 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (33 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 13 mph
Gust model range
21 mph – 33 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · S
Highest gust input
33 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (619 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
17 mph – 26 mph
Gust speed (spread)
27 mph (+18)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
21 mph · S
Surface-to-flight direction change
0°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 6 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 23.9 mph gust spread.

Key takeaways

  • This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
6:00 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 31.3 mph, a 22.5 mph gust spread, and a 11.1 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (31 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 13 mph
Gust model range
21 mph – 31 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · S
Highest gust input
31 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (619 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
16 mph – 26 mph
Gust speed (spread)
26 mph (+17)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
20 mph · S
Surface-to-flight direction change
1°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 6 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 22.5 mph gust spread.

Key takeaways

  • This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
7:00 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 33.6 mph, a 25.7 mph gust spread, and a 11.9 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (34 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 14 mph
Gust model range
20 mph – 34 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · S
Highest gust input
34 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (619 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
15 mph – 26 mph
Gust speed (spread)
25 mph (+17)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
20 mph · S
Surface-to-flight direction change
1°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 6 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 25.7 mph gust spread.

Key takeaways

  • This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
8:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 28.4 mph, a 20.7 mph gust spread, and a 11.9 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This speed change may produce a marked drift change between launch and low-level flight.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (28 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 11 mph
Gust model range
19 mph – 28 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · S
Highest gust input
28 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (619 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
15 mph – 26 mph
Gust speed (spread)
24 mph (+16)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
20 mph · S
Surface-to-flight direction change
2°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 6 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 11.9 mph surface-to-flight speed change.

Key takeaways

  • This speed change may produce a marked drift change between launch and low-level flight. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
9:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 32.2 mph, a 24 mph gust spread, and a 10.3 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (32 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
4 mph – 12 mph
Gust model range
19 mph – 32 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · S
Highest gust input
32 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (619 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
14 mph – 26 mph
Gust speed (spread)
25 mph (+17)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
18 mph · S
Surface-to-flight direction change
1°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 6 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 24 mph gust spread.

Key takeaways

  • This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
10:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 29.3 mph and a 20.6 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (29 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 16 mph
Gust model range
18 mph – 29 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · SSW
Highest gust input
29 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (619 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
14 mph – 24 mph
Gust speed (spread)
23 mph (+14)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
16 mph · S
Surface-to-flight direction change
15°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 6 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 20.6 mph gust spread.

Key takeaways

  • This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
11:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 32.2 mph and a 24.5 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (32 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 12 mph
Gust model range
15 mph – 32 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · SSW
Highest gust input
32 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (619 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
13 mph – 24 mph
Gust speed (spread)
21 mph (+13)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
15 mph · S
Surface-to-flight direction change
14°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 6 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 24.5 mph gust spread.

Key takeaways

  • This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
12:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 31.6 mph, a 24.7 mph gust spread, and a 8.4 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (32 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
4 mph – 11 mph
Gust model range
11 mph – 32 mph
Surface wind
7 mph · SSW
Highest gust input
32 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (619 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
13 mph – 24 mph
Gust speed (spread)
18 mph (+11)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
15 mph · S
Surface-to-flight direction change
14°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 6 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 24.7 mph gust spread.

Key takeaways

  • This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
1:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 30 mph, a 24 mph gust spread, a 8 mph surface-to-flight speed change, a thunderstorm indicator, and a strong-convection indicator. This major weather signal may create rapid changes around takeoff, low-level flight, or landing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (30 mph). 1 forecast input indicates thunderstorms; this is not a probability.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 8 mph
Gust model range
10 mph – 30 mph
Surface wind
6 mph · S
Highest gust input
30 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (619 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
12 mph – 24 mph
Gust speed (spread)
16 mph (+10)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
14 mph · S
Surface-to-flight direction change
0°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 6 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a thunderstorm indicator.

Key takeaways

  • This major weather signal may create rapid changes around takeoff, low-level flight, or landing. Thermal strength is unknown because the activity is estimated.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.

Planning

Best Takeoff Window

Expand+
StatusAccount required
StartsSign up to see
RangeNext 24 hours

Account required

Create a Free Account to see the best takeoff window

Guest preview keeps the current wind read visible. Recommended timing, duration, and block reasoning are available after signup.

Best timeSign up
DurationSign up
Why this blockSign up

Account planning

Unlock the full 5-day wind read

Guest preview keeps today’s launch read visible. Create a Free Account to use 5-day planning, saved locations, personalized defaults, and wind alerts.

Create Free Account

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.