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 47 mph, a 27.5 mph gust spread, and a 14.5 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Paramotor modeTap to expand

Surface 20 mph, gusts 40 mph, and climb band 34 mph for Friday, Oct 2, 3:00 PM.

Surface
20 mph
Gust
40 mph
Climb band
34 mph

Friday, Oct 2, 3:00 PM

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 flowStrong
GustinessVery gusty
Thermal bumpLow
Drift turn8°

Surface

20 mph

33 ft · SSW

Gust spread

20 mph

Gusts 40 mph

Thermal bump

Low

CAPE 94 J/kg / sun 173 W/m2

Climb drift

15 mph

394 ft / SW

Blackstairs MountainsDEMANDING Right now

Hour by hour

Next 3 hours

+9 more
3:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 47 mph, a 27.5 mph gust spread, and a 14.5 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 (47 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
13 mph – 22 mph
Gust model range
36 mph – 47 mph
Surface wind
20 mph · SSW
Highest gust input
47 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (485 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
30 mph – 37 mph
Gust speed (spread)
40 mph (+20)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
34 mph · SW
Surface-to-flight direction change
3°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 27.5 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 45.4 mph, a 26.1 mph gust spread, and a 14.1 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 (45 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
14 mph – 22 mph
Gust model range
34 mph – 45 mph
Surface wind
19 mph · SSW
Highest gust input
45 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (485 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
29 mph – 37 mph
Gust speed (spread)
38 mph (+19)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
33 mph · SSW
Surface-to-flight direction change
2°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 26.1 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.
5:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 42.5 mph, a 23.9 mph gust spread, and a 14 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This speed change may produce a marked drift change between launch and low-level flight.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (43 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
14 mph – 21 mph
Gust model range
33 mph – 43 mph
Surface wind
19 mph · SSW
Highest gust input
43 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (485 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
28 mph – 37 mph
Gust speed (spread)
38 mph (+19)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
33 mph · SW
Surface-to-flight direction change
2°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 14 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.
Show more hours

Hour by hour

6:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 41.6 mph, a 23.6 mph gust spread, and a 14.7 mph surface-to-flight speed change. This speed change may produce a marked drift change between launch and low-level flight.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (42 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
14 mph – 22 mph
Gust model range
34 mph – 42 mph
Surface wind
18 mph · SW
Highest gust input
42 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (485 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
25 mph – 37 mph
Gust speed (spread)
37 mph (+19)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
33 mph · SW
Surface-to-flight direction change
2°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 14.7 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.
7:00 PM
DEMANDING

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 41.1 mph, a 26 mph gust spread, and a 11.6 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 (41 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
11 mph – 20 mph
Gust model range
21 mph – 41 mph
Surface wind
15 mph · SW
Highest gust input
41 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (485 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
21 mph – 37 mph
Gust speed (spread)
31 mph (+16)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
27 mph · SW
Surface-to-flight direction change
2°
Thermal activity
Thermals possible - strength unknown (low activity estimated)
Forecast confidence
Low · 8 forecast inputs

What stands out

The strongest forecast concern is a 26 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 39.6 mph, a 29.3 mph gust spread, and a 8.9 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 (40 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
4 mph – 16 mph
Gust model range
13 mph – 40 mph
Surface wind
10 mph · WSW
Highest gust input
40 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (485 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
11 mph – 28 mph
Gust speed (spread)
24 mph (+14)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
19 mph · WSW
Surface-to-flight direction change
7°
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 29.3 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 PM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 31.8 mph and a 22.7 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (32 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 13 mph
Gust model range
11 mph – 32 mph
Surface wind
9 mph · W
Highest gust input
32 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (485 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
11 mph – 23 mph
Gust speed (spread)
21 mph (+12)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
16 mph · WNW
Surface-to-flight direction change
4°
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 22.7 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.
10:00 PM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 27.3 mph, a 19.3 mph gust spread, and a 8 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 (27 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
5 mph – 11 mph
Gust model range
11 mph – 27 mph
Surface wind
8 mph · WNW
Highest gust input
27 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (485 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
8 mph – 22 mph
Gust speed (spread)
19 mph (+11)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
16 mph · WNW
Surface-to-flight direction change
6°
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 19.3 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.
11:00 PM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 24.4 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 (24 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
3 mph – 9 mph
Gust model range
5 mph – 24 mph
Surface wind
7 mph · WNW
Highest gust input
24 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (485 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
8 mph – 20 mph
Gust speed (spread)
15 mph (+8)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
14 mph · WNW
Surface-to-flight direction change
5°
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 17.6 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.
12:00 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 21.5 mph and a 14.8 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
4 mph – 9 mph
Gust model range
4 mph – 21 mph
Surface wind
7 mph · WNW
Highest gust input
21 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (485 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
8 mph – 21 mph
Gust speed (spread)
14 mph (+8)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
14 mph · WNW
Surface-to-flight direction change
5°
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 14.8 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 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 19.4 mph and a 13.9 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

Gust assessment includes the highest forecast input (19 mph).

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
4 mph – 7 mph
Gust model range
4 mph – 19 mph
Surface wind
6 mph · WNW
Highest gust input
19 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (485 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
8 mph – 17 mph
Gust speed (spread)
12 mph (+6)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
12 mph · NW
Surface-to-flight direction change
3°
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 13.9 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.
2:00 AM
Dark

Demanding this hour because of gusts at 16.3 mph and a 11.6 mph gust spread. This gust spread may produce pronounced changes in airspeed and landing timing.

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

Hour detailsShow
Surface wind model range
4 mph – 7 mph
Gust model range
4 mph – 16 mph
Surface wind
5 mph · NW
Highest gust input
16 mph
Altitude reference
Provider terrain estimate (485 m MSL); launch elevation unverified
Flight-layer model range
7 mph – 16 mph
Gust speed (spread)
9 mph (+4)
Wind at 394 ft above reference terrain
11 mph · NW
Surface-to-flight direction change
1°
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 11.6 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.

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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.