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 15.9 mph and a 106° low-level direction change combined with a 13 mph gust spread. The combined low-level change may produce changing drift and a more demanding control workload.

Paramotor modeTap to expand

Surface 3 mph, gusts 6 mph, and climb band 3 mph for Friday, Oct 2, 8:00 AM.

Surface
3 mph
Gust
6 mph
Climb band
3 mph

Friday, Oct 2, 8:00 AM

Right now

DEMANDING

Forecast confidence: Low

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Watch-outs

  • 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.
Current detailsShow
Surface flowCalm
GustinessSteady
Thermal bumpLow
Drift turn89°

Surface

3 mph

33 ft · SSE

Gust spread

3 mph

Gusts 6 mph

Thermal bump

Low

CAPE 0 J/kg / sun 59 W/m2

Climb drift

0 mph

394 ft / W

Chicago Ridge General Flying AreaDEMANDING Right now

Hour by hour

Next 3 hours

+9 more
8:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 15.9 mph and a 106° low-level direction change combined with a 13 mph gust spread. The combined low-level change may produce changing drift and a more demanding control workload.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (16 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
2 mph – 4 mph
Gust model range
2 mph – 16 mph
Surface wind
3 mph · SSE
Highest gust input
16 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (3,855 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
2 mph – 5 mph
Gust speed (spread)
6 mph (+3)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
3 mph · W
Surface-to-flight direction change
106°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 106° low-level direction change combined with a 13 mph gust spread.

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.
9:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 16.1 mph and a 64° low-level direction change combined with a 14 mph gust spread. The combined low-level change may produce changing drift and a more demanding control workload.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (16 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
1 mph – 3 mph
Gust model range
2 mph – 16 mph
Surface wind
2 mph · SW
Highest gust input
16 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (3,855 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
2 mph – 6 mph
Gust speed (spread)
6 mph (+4)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
4 mph · WNW
Surface-to-flight direction change
64°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 64° low-level direction change combined with a 14 mph gust spread.

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.
10:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 18.3 mph and a 16 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (18 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
1 mph – 5 mph
Gust model range
1 mph – 18 mph
Surface wind
2 mph · WNW
Highest gust input
18 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (3,855 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
1 mph – 8 mph
Gust speed (spread)
9 mph (+6)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
4 mph · WNW
Surface-to-flight direction change
2°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (building activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 16 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

11:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 20.1 mph and a 16.7 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (20 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
2 mph – 6 mph
Gust model range
9 mph – 20 mph
Surface wind
3 mph · WNW
Highest gust input
20 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (3,855 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
4 mph – 8 mph
Gust speed (spread)
11 mph (+8)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
5 mph · WNW
Surface-to-flight direction change
0°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (building activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 16.7 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.
12:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 20.1 mph and a 15.7 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (20 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
2 mph – 7 mph
Gust model range
11 mph – 20 mph
Surface wind
4 mph · NW
Highest gust input
20 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (3,855 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
4 mph – 9 mph
Gust speed (spread)
13 mph (+9)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
6 mph · WNW
Surface-to-flight direction change
5°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (building activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 15.7 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 21.5 mph and a 16.1 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (21 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
3 mph – 8 mph
Gust model range
12 mph – 21 mph
Surface wind
5 mph · NW
Highest gust input
21 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (3,855 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
4 mph – 10 mph
Gust speed (spread)
15 mph (+10)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
7 mph · WNW
Surface-to-flight direction change
7°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (building activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 16.1 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.
2:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 24.6 mph and a 18.4 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (25 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
3 mph – 8 mph
Gust model range
12 mph – 25 mph
Surface wind
6 mph · NW
Highest gust input
25 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (3,855 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
6 mph – 11 mph
Gust speed (spread)
17 mph (+11)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
9 mph · WNW
Surface-to-flight direction change
8°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (building activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 18.4 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.
3:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 26.4 mph and a 20 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (26 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
3 mph – 9 mph
Gust model range
13 mph – 26 mph
Surface wind
6 mph · NW
Highest gust input
26 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (3,855 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
7 mph – 12 mph
Gust speed (spread)
18 mph (+12)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
10 mph · WNW
Surface-to-flight direction change
7°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (building activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 20 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.
4:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 26.4 mph and a 20 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (26 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
3 mph – 9 mph
Gust model range
13 mph – 26 mph
Surface wind
6 mph · NW
Highest gust input
26 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (3,855 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
7 mph – 15 mph
Gust speed (spread)
18 mph (+12)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
10 mph · NW
Surface-to-flight direction change
9°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (building activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 20 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.
5:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 26.2 mph and a 19.8 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (26 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
3 mph – 9 mph
Gust model range
11 mph – 26 mph
Surface wind
6 mph · NW
Highest gust input
26 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (3,855 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
6 mph – 14 mph
Gust speed (spread)
17 mph (+11)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
10 mph · NW
Surface-to-flight direction change
8°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (building activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 19.8 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 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 23.5 mph and a 17.9 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (23 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
3 mph – 8 mph
Gust model range
10 mph – 23 mph
Surface wind
6 mph · NW
Highest gust input
23 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (3,855 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
6 mph – 13 mph
Gust speed (spread)
17 mph (+11)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
9 mph · NW
Surface-to-flight direction change
9°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 17.9 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.
7:00 PM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 21.5 mph and a 17 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (21 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
2 mph – 8 mph
Gust model range
2 mph – 21 mph
Surface wind
5 mph · NW
Highest gust input
21 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (3,855 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
5 mph – 12 mph
Gust speed (spread)
13 mph (+8)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
8 mph · NW
Surface-to-flight direction change
12°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 17 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.

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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.