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

Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 12.3 mph, a 3.6 mph gust spread, and a 6.7 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This speed change may alter drift between launch and the forecast flight layer.

Paramotor modeTap to expand

Surface 9 mph, gusts 12 mph, and climb band 2 mph for Thursday, Oct 1, 3:00 AM.

Surface
9 mph
Gust
12 mph
Climb band
2 mph

Thursday, Oct 1, 3:00 AM

Right now

Dark

Forecast confidence: Low

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

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Watch-outs

  • This speed change may alter drift between launch and the forecast 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 turn8°

Surface

9 mph

33 ft · ENE

Gust spread

4 mph

Gusts 12 mph

Thermal bump

Low

CAPE 0 J/kg / sun 0 W/m2

Climb drift

0 mph

394 ft / NE

Big Sur - Wild CattleDark Right now

Hour by hour

Next 3 hours

+9 more
3:00 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 12.3 mph, a 3.6 mph gust spread, and a 6.7 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
9 mph – 9 mph
Gust model range
12 mph – 12 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · ENE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (984 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
2 mph – 2 mph
Gust speed (spread)
12 mph (+4)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
2 mph · NE
Surface-to-flight direction change
13°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

Three ACTIVE factors combine: gusts at 12.3 mph, a 3.6 mph gust spread, and a 6.7 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.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
4:00 AM
Dark

Active this hour because of gusts at 11.2 mph and a 6.3 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
11 mph – 11 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · ENE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (984 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
2 mph – 2 mph
Gust speed (spread)
11 mph (+3)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
2 mph · E
Surface-to-flight direction change
22°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The ACTIVE stage is driven by gusts at 11.2 mph and a 6.3 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.
5:00 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 11.9 mph, a 3.3 mph gust spread, a 7 mph surface-to-flight speed change, and a 49° 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
12 mph – 12 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · ENE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (984 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
2 mph – 2 mph
Gust speed (spread)
12 mph (+3)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
2 mph · SE
Surface-to-flight direction change
49°
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 49° 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.
Show more hours

Hour by hour

6:00 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 13.9 mph, a 4.3 mph gust spread, a 7.7 mph surface-to-flight speed change, and a 55° 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
10 mph – 10 mph
Gust model range
14 mph – 14 mph
Surface wind
10 mph · ENE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (984 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
2 mph – 2 mph
Gust speed (spread)
14 mph (+4)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
2 mph · SE
Surface-to-flight direction change
55°
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 55° 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.
7:00 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 13.9 mph, a 4.8 mph gust spread, a 6.9 mph surface-to-flight speed change, and a 42° 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
14 mph – 14 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · E
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (984 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
2 mph – 2 mph
Gust speed (spread)
14 mph (+5)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
2 mph · ESE
Surface-to-flight direction change
42°
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 42° 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
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of a 5.3 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
9 mph – 9 mph
Gust model range
14 mph – 14 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · E
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (984 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
3 mph – 3 mph
Gust speed (spread)
14 mph (+5)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
3 mph · E
Surface-to-flight direction change
13°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 5.3 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.
9:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 13.9 mph, a 4.2 mph gust spread, and a 6.6 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
10 mph – 10 mph
Gust model range
14 mph – 14 mph
Surface wind
10 mph · E
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (984 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
3 mph – 3 mph
Gust speed (spread)
14 mph (+4)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
3 mph · ESE
Surface-to-flight direction change
29°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

Three ACTIVE factors combine: gusts at 13.9 mph, a 4.2 mph gust spread, and a 6.6 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.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
10:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 11.6 mph, estimated building thermal activity with strength unknown, and a 6 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
10 mph – 10 mph
Gust model range
12 mph – 12 mph
Surface wind
10 mph · ESE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (984 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
4 mph – 4 mph
Gust speed (spread)
12 mph (+2)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
4 mph · SE
Surface-to-flight direction change
23°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (building activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

Three ACTIVE factors combine: gusts at 11.6 mph, estimated building thermal activity with strength unknown, and a 6 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.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
11:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 10.5 mph, estimated building thermal activity with strength unknown, and a 5.8 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
9 mph – 9 mph
Gust model range
11 mph – 11 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · ESE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (984 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
3 mph – 3 mph
Gust speed (spread)
11 mph (+2)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
3 mph · ESE
Surface-to-flight direction change
17°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (building activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

Three ACTIVE factors combine: gusts at 10.5 mph, estimated building thermal activity with strength unknown, and a 5.8 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.
  • Consider a calmer window, especially for newer pilots.
12:00 PM
ACTIVE

Active this hour because of estimated building thermal activity with strength unknown and a 5 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 (984 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
3 mph – 3 mph
Gust speed (spread)
9 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
3 mph · ESE
Surface-to-flight direction change
6°
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 and a 5 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.
1:00 PM
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
7 mph – 7 mph
Gust model range
8 mph – 8 mph
Surface wind
7 mph · ESE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (984 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 · ESE
Surface-to-flight direction change
14°
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.
2:00 PM
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
4 mph – 4 mph
Gust model range
5 mph – 5 mph
Surface wind
4 mph · SE
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (984 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
3 mph – 3 mph
Gust speed (spread)
5 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
3 mph · ESE
Surface-to-flight direction change
27°
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.

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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.