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

ACTIVE

Active this hour because of a 3.8 mph gust spread and a 7.6 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This speed change may alter drift between launch and the forecast flight layer.

Paramotor modeTap to expand

Surface 5 mph, gusts 9 mph, and climb band 13 mph for Thursday, Oct 1, 7:00 AM.

Surface
5 mph
Gust
9 mph
Climb band
13 mph

Thursday, Oct 1, 7:00 AM

Right now

ACTIVE

Forecast confidence: Low

Treat now as a close call and compare it with the best takeoff block.

Best block

Sign up to see

Best takeoff window

Recommended timing is available with a free account.

Watch-outs

  • 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.
Current detailsShow
Surface flowLight
GustinessSteady
Thermal bumpLow
Drift turn19°

Surface

5 mph

33 ft · SW

Gust spread

4 mph

Gusts 9 mph

Thermal bump

Low

CAPE 0 J/kg / sun 0 W/m2

Climb drift

8 mph

394 ft / WSW

Herne BayACTIVE Right now

Hour by hour

Next 3 hours

+9 more
7:00 AM
ACTIVE

Active this hour because of a 3.8 mph gust spread and a 7.6 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
5 mph – 5 mph
Gust model range
9 mph – 9 mph
Surface wind
5 mph · SW
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
13 mph – 13 mph
Gust speed (spread)
9 mph (+4)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
13 mph · WSW
Surface-to-flight direction change
18°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

The ACTIVE stage is driven by a 3.8 mph gust spread and a 7.6 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.
  • Newer pilots may prefer instructor guidance or a calmer window.
8:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of a 8.1 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This speed change may produce a marked drift change between launch and low-level flight.

Low forecast confidence: review data limits and model ranges.

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 5 mph
Gust model range
9 mph – 9 mph
Surface wind
5 mph · WSW
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
13 mph – 13 mph
Gust speed (spread)
9 mph (+4)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
13 mph · WSW
Surface-to-flight direction change
12°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 8.1 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 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
8 mph – 8 mph
Gust model range
13 mph – 13 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · WSW
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
13 mph – 13 mph
Gust speed (spread)
13 mph (+5)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
13 mph · WSW
Surface-to-flight direction change
6°
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.
Show more hours

Hour by hour

10:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 16.8 mph and a 7.4 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
17 mph – 17 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · W
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
15 mph – 15 mph
Gust speed (spread)
17 mph (+7)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
15 mph · W
Surface-to-flight direction change
2°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 7.4 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.
11:00 AM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 15.2 mph and a 7.1 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
8 mph – 8 mph
Gust model range
15 mph – 15 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · W
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
12 mph – 12 mph
Gust speed (spread)
15 mph (+7)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
12 mph · W
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 strongest forecast concern is a 7.1 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.
12:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 16.3 mph and a 7.8 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
16 mph – 16 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · W
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
13 mph – 13 mph
Gust speed (spread)
16 mph (+8)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
13 mph · W
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 strongest forecast concern is a 7.8 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.
1:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of a 7.4 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
8 mph – 8 mph
Gust model range
15 mph – 15 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · WNW
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
11 mph – 11 mph
Gust speed (spread)
15 mph (+7)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
11 mph · WNW
Surface-to-flight direction change
8°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (building activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 7.4 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.
2:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 17 mph and a 8.1 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
17 mph – 17 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · W
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
15 mph – 15 mph
Gust speed (spread)
17 mph (+8)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
15 mph · W
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 strongest forecast concern is a 8.1 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 19.3 mph and a 8.8 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
11 mph – 11 mph
Gust model range
19 mph – 19 mph
Surface wind
11 mph · W
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
17 mph – 17 mph
Gust speed (spread)
19 mph (+9)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
17 mph · W
Surface-to-flight direction change
4°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 8.8 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.
4:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of a 6 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
7 mph – 7 mph
Gust model range
13 mph – 13 mph
Surface wind
7 mph · W
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
13 mph – 13 mph
Gust speed (spread)
13 mph (+6)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
13 mph · W
Surface-to-flight direction change
4°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

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

Demanding this hour because of a 6 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
7 mph – 7 mph
Gust model range
13 mph – 13 mph
Surface wind
7 mph · W
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
12 mph – 12 mph
Gust speed (spread)
13 mph (+6)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
12 mph · W
Surface-to-flight direction change
2°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 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.
6:00 PM
ACTIVE

Active this hour because of a 4.3 mph gust spread and a 5.3 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
5 mph – 5 mph
Gust model range
9 mph – 9 mph
Surface wind
5 mph · W
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (0 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
10 mph – 10 mph
Gust speed (spread)
9 mph (+4)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
10 mph · W
Surface-to-flight direction change
6°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · limited-input forecast

What stands out

The ACTIVE stage is driven by a 4.3 mph gust spread and a 5.3 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.

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.