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

DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 16.8 mph and a 9.9 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Paramotor modeTap to expand

Surface 7 mph, gusts 15 mph, and climb band 8 mph for Wednesday, Sep 30, 6:00 PM.

Surface
7 mph
Gust
15 mph
Climb band
8 mph

Wednesday, Sep 30, 6:00 PM

Right now

DEMANDING

Forecast confidence: Medium

Wait for the best takeoff block and check why the current read is rough.

Best block

Sign up to see

Best takeoff window

Recommended timing is available with a free account.

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 turn8°

Surface

7 mph

33 ft · N

Gust spread

8 mph

Gusts 15 mph

Thermal bump

Low

CAPE 0 J/kg / sun 305 W/m2

Climb drift

2 mph

394 ft / NNW

Pickles Butte - Main FaceDEMANDING Right now

Hour by hour

Next 3 hours

+9 more
6:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 16.8 mph and a 9.9 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (17 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
6 mph – 7 mph
Gust model range
13 mph – 17 mph
Surface wind
7 mph · N
Highest gust input
17 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (899 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
7 mph – 11 mph
Gust speed (spread)
15 mph (+8)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
8 mph · NNW
Surface-to-flight direction change
7°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Medium · 3 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 9.9 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
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 15.2 mph and a 9 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (15 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
4 mph – 8 mph
Gust model range
14 mph – 15 mph
Surface wind
6 mph · N
Highest gust input
15 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (899 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
5 mph – 10 mph
Gust speed (spread)
15 mph (+8)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
8 mph · N
Surface-to-flight direction change
8°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Medium · 3 forecast inputs

What stands out

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

Demanding this hour because of a 9.3 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (13 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
1 mph – 6 mph
Gust model range
9 mph – 13 mph
Surface wind
4 mph · NNE
Highest gust input
13 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (899 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
2 mph – 9 mph
Gust speed (spread)
11 mph (+8)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
6 mph · N
Surface-to-flight direction change
13°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 3 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 9.3 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

9:00 PM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of a 144° low-level direction change combined with a 9.8 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 (11 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
1 mph – 2 mph
Gust model range
4 mph – 11 mph
Surface wind
2 mph · SSE
Highest gust input
11 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (899 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
1 mph – 7 mph
Gust speed (spread)
8 mph (+6)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
3 mph · N
Surface-to-flight direction change
144°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 3 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 144° low-level direction change combined with a 9.8 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 PM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of a 5.2 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (9 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
2 mph – 5 mph
Gust model range
2 mph – 9 mph
Surface wind
3 mph · SSW
Highest gust input
9 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (899 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
2 mph – 3 mph
Gust speed (spread)
6 mph (+2)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
2 mph · SW
Surface-to-flight direction change
28°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 3 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 5.2 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 PM
Dark

Smooth this hour because of gusts at 5.3 mph, a 2.3 mph gust spread, estimated low thermal activity with strength unknown, a 1.5 mph surface-to-flight speed change, and a 19° surface-to-flight direction change. These measurements remain within the Smooth thresholds and point to steadier powered-flight air.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (5 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
2 mph – 4 mph
Gust model range
4 mph – 5 mph
Surface wind
3 mph · SSW
Highest gust input
5 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (899 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
1 mph – 2 mph
Gust speed (spread)
5 mph (+2)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
1 mph · SW
Surface-to-flight direction change
19°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Medium · 3 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

A 2.3 mph gust spread is the clearest favorable measurement in this hour.

Key takeaways

  • The 1.5 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.
12:00 AM
Dark

Active this hour because of a 38° surface-to-flight direction change. The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (4 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
2 mph – 3 mph
Gust model range
3 mph – 4 mph
Surface wind
3 mph · SW
Highest gust input
4 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (899 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
1 mph – 2 mph
Gust speed (spread)
4 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
2 mph · W
Surface-to-flight direction change
38°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 3 forecast inputs
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.
  • Newer pilots may prefer instructor guidance or a calmer window.
1:00 AM
Dark

Active this hour because of a 51° surface-to-flight direction change. The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (4 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
3 mph – 4 mph
Gust model range
4 mph – 4 mph
Surface wind
3 mph · W
Highest gust input
4 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (899 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
1 mph – 4 mph
Gust speed (spread)
4 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
3 mph · NW
Surface-to-flight direction change
51°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 3 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

Wind direction changes 51° 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.
2:00 AM
Dark

Active this hour because of a 46° surface-to-flight direction change. The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (6 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
2 mph – 4 mph
Gust model range
2 mph – 6 mph
Surface wind
3 mph · WSW
Highest gust input
6 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (899 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
0 mph – 6 mph
Gust speed (spread)
4 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
3 mph · NW
Surface-to-flight direction change
46°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 3 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

Wind direction changes 46° 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 AM
Dark

Active this hour because of a 3.5 mph gust spread and a 47° surface-to-flight direction change. The direction change may alter drift and wind alignment between launch and the flight layer.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (7 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
3 mph – 6 mph
Gust model range
3 mph – 7 mph
Surface wind
4 mph · W
Highest gust input
7 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (899 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
2 mph – 8 mph
Gust speed (spread)
5 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
4 mph · NW
Surface-to-flight direction change
47°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 3 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

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.
4:00 AM
Dark

Active this hour because of a 3.6 mph gust spread. This gust spread may make the air feel less steady through takeoff and landing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (8 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
3 mph – 6 mph
Gust model range
3 mph – 8 mph
Surface wind
4 mph · WNW
Highest gust input
8 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (899 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
4 mph – 9 mph
Gust speed (spread)
5 mph (+1)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
6 mph · NW
Surface-to-flight direction change
28°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 3 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The ACTIVE stage is driven by a 3.6 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.
5:00 AM
Dark

Active this hour because of a 3.6 mph gust spread. This gust spread may make the air feel less steady through takeoff and landing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (8 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
3 mph – 6 mph
Gust model range
4 mph – 8 mph
Surface wind
4 mph · WNW
Highest gust input
8 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (899 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
5 mph – 9 mph
Gust speed (spread)
6 mph (+2)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
7 mph · NW
Surface-to-flight direction change
14°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 3 forecast inputs
Daylight
Dark at this location

What stands out

The ACTIVE stage is driven by a 3.6 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.

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.