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 19.7 mph and a 14.1 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Paramotor modeTap to expand

Surface 6 mph, gusts 13 mph, and climb band 12 mph for Thursday, Oct 1, 10:00 AM.

Surface
6 mph
Gust
13 mph
Climb band
12 mph

Thursday, Oct 1, 10:00 AM

Right now

DEMANDING

Forecast confidence: Low

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Watch-outs

  • 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.
Current detailsShow
Surface flowLight
GustinessGusty
Thermal bumpLow
Drift turn87°

Surface

6 mph

33 ft · NNW

Gust spread

7 mph

Gusts 13 mph

Thermal bump

Low

CAPE 44 J/kg / sun 106 W/m2

Climb drift

6 mph

394 ft / N

Iowa City Area Paramotor Pilot NetworkDEMANDING Right now

Hour by hour

Next 3 hours

+9 more
10:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 19.7 mph and a 14.1 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
1 mph – 9 mph
Gust model range
5 mph – 20 mph
Surface wind
6 mph · NNW
Highest gust input
20 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (232 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
3 mph – 20 mph
Gust speed (spread)
13 mph (+7)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
12 mph · N
Surface-to-flight direction change
11°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 7 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 14.1 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.
11:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 22.4 mph and a 15.4 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (22 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
3 mph – 10 mph
Gust model range
10 mph – 22 mph
Surface wind
7 mph · N
Highest gust input
22 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (232 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
2 mph – 17 mph
Gust speed (spread)
15 mph (+8)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
12 mph · NNE
Surface-to-flight direction change
6°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 7 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 15.4 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.
12:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 26 mph and a 17.3 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
6 mph – 13 mph
Gust model range
6 mph – 26 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · N
Highest gust input
26 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (232 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
6 mph – 19 mph
Gust speed (spread)
16 mph (+7)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
14 mph · NNE
Surface-to-flight direction change
4°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 7 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 17.3 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.
Show more hours

Hour by hour

1:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 28.4 mph and a 18.3 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

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

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
6 mph – 16 mph
Gust model range
9 mph – 28 mph
Surface wind
10 mph · NNE
Highest gust input
28 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (232 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
9 mph – 22 mph
Gust speed (spread)
19 mph (+9)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
15 mph · NNE
Surface-to-flight direction change
6°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 7 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 18.3 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.
2:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 28.6 mph and a 18.1 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
7 mph – 16 mph
Gust model range
15 mph – 29 mph
Surface wind
11 mph · NNE
Highest gust input
29 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (232 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
9 mph – 24 mph
Gust speed (spread)
19 mph (+9)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
16 mph · NNE
Surface-to-flight direction change
2°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 7 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 18.1 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.
3:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 27.7 mph and a 16.4 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

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

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
6 mph – 15 mph
Gust model range
14 mph – 28 mph
Surface wind
11 mph · N
Highest gust input
28 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (232 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
9 mph – 22 mph
Gust speed (spread)
21 mph (+9)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
16 mph · N
Surface-to-flight direction change
3°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 7 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 16.4 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.
4:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 28.4 mph and a 17.4 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

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

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 16 mph
Gust model range
14 mph – 28 mph
Surface wind
11 mph · N
Highest gust input
28 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (232 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
7 mph – 26 mph
Gust speed (spread)
22 mph (+11)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
17 mph · NNE
Surface-to-flight direction change
5°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 7 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 17.4 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.
5:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 26 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 (26 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
4 mph – 15 mph
Gust model range
12 mph – 26 mph
Surface wind
10 mph · N
Highest gust input
26 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (232 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
6 mph – 26 mph
Gust speed (spread)
22 mph (+12)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
15 mph · N
Surface-to-flight direction change
4°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 7 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.
6:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 25 mph and a 16.8 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 – 13 mph
Gust model range
10 mph – 25 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · N
Highest gust input
25 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (232 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
5 mph – 22 mph
Gust speed (spread)
17 mph (+9)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
15 mph · N
Surface-to-flight direction change
1°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 7 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 16.8 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.
7:00 PM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 27.5 mph, a 18.6 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 (28 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
2 mph – 13 mph
Gust model range
7 mph – 28 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · N
Highest gust input
28 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (232 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
4 mph – 22 mph
Gust speed (spread)
19 mph (+10)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
17 mph · N
Surface-to-flight direction change
8°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 7 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 18.6 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.
8:00 PM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 27.5 mph and a 17.6 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

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

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
3 mph – 14 mph
Gust model range
7 mph – 28 mph
Surface wind
10 mph · N
Highest gust input
28 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (232 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
5 mph – 23 mph
Gust speed (spread)
19 mph (+9)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
18 mph · N
Surface-to-flight direction change
4°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 7 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 17.6 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.
9:00 PM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 22.6 mph and a 12.7 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
4 mph – 12 mph
Gust model range
7 mph – 23 mph
Surface wind
10 mph · N
Highest gust input
23 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (232 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
7 mph – 24 mph
Gust speed (spread)
20 mph (+10)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
17 mph · N
Surface-to-flight direction change
7°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 7 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 12.7 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.

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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.