What forecast model do you use in Windy and Why

[Sea.P.P.]

Hi Guys

I got caught out the other day with much stronger winds than I expected in the forecast on Windy, had to cut the trip short due to the waves.

Looking closer at the app there are a bunch of different forecast models that seem to give different results. As an example I am looking at the weather tomorrow and the ECMWF model is showing snow while the NAM model is showing rain here in Vancouver. Curious as to what everyone uses as their forecast model and why.

Thanks

Bouy weather is decent

 

[GAW]

Most are probably already all over this, but today is just another example of why Windy isn't particularly reliable. Not just for forecasting, but even just for current weather. Today off Point Holmes (Lazo) Comox, the airport weather station is currently reporting winds SE 33 gusts 44 (km/h), the webcam pointing SE at Point Holmes boat ramp shows this to be accurate (see screenshot), while the Windy app shows current conditions in the same area as E 1 knot. I'll definitely be leaning towards the airport, lighthouse, and marine buoy stations for current conditions.

 

[Eden Island]

Most are probably already all over this, but today is just another example of why Windy isn't particularly reliable. Not just for forecasting, but even just for current weather. Today off Point Holmes (Lazo) Comox, the airport weather station is currently reporting winds SE 33 gusts 44 (km/h), the webcam pointing SE at Point Holmes boat ramp shows this to be accurate (see screenshot), while the Windy app shows current conditions in the same area as E 1 knot. I'll definitely be leaning towards the airport, lighthouse, and marine buoy stations for current conditions.View attachment 119331View attachment 119332

Yup. Nothing tops actual data.

 

[sushieater]

Most are probably already all over this, but today is just another example of why Windy isn't particularly reliable. Not just for forecasting, but even just for current weather. Today off Point Holmes (Lazo) Comox, the airport weather station is currently reporting winds SE 33 gusts 44 (km/h), the webcam pointing SE at Point Holmes boat ramp shows this to be accurate (see screenshot), while the Windy app shows current conditions in the same area as E 1 knot. I'll definitely be leaning towards the airport, lighthouse, and marine buoy stations for current conditions.View attachment 119331View attachment 119332

You can add the real-time weather reports to Windy. It's not on by default, but if you open the menu and then under "display more layers" you can add "reported wind"

 

[GAW]

You can add the real-time weather reports to Windy. It's not on by default, but if you open the menu and then under "display more layers" you can add "reported wind"

Hey great tip! Will check that out for sure

 

[coastalmarinesafety]

Windy is not that reliable in my opinion. Probably sends a lot of folks out in wind that is in reality much stronger than windy “predicted”. ECVI and WCVI I’ve found this when I’ve compared reality to their consistent favourable forecast. Sounds like everyone has their preferred other options and then in the end if you choose to go you just have to have your nose out spot and threshold for turning back. We are lucky around where I live and fish out front as we have a 1 hour delayed environment canada (ECCC) yellow ODAS buoy that gives up to date wind and sea state, which can be found under “weather conditions” tab on the ECCC marine forecast webpage for your area. Buoys are red circles. Green squares are land based stations like airports, not representative of actual sea level conditions like the buoys. Not every area has a buoy like this in their fishing area unfortunately.

 

[BC Coast Pilot]

Windy is not that reliable in my opinion. Probably sends a lot of folks out in wind that is in reality much stronger than windy “predicted”. ECVI and WCVI I’ve found this when I’ve compared reality to their consistent favourable forecast. Sounds like everyone has their preferred other options and then in the end if you choose to go you just have to have your nose out spot and threshold for turning back. We are lucky around where I live and fish out front as we have a 1 hour delayed environment canada (ECCC) yellow ODAS buoy that gives up to date wind and sea state, which can be found under “weather conditions” tab on the ECCC marine forecast webpage for your area. Buoys are red circles. Green squares are land based stations like airports, not representative of actual sea level conditions like the buoys. Not every area has a buoy like this in their fishing area unfortunately.

I use the Windy APP pay version, it's spot on and has isobars, wind, rain, real time etc...

 

[Pineapple Express]

I use the Windy APP pay version, it's spot on and has isobars, wind, rain, real time etc...

How much $$$? Montly or annual fee?

 

[Aces]

I use Buoyweather.com and find it very accurate. Think it’s around $100/year. I can use it when I’m in Mexico too

 

[SpringVelocity]

I use all of them (with a grain of salt), and then also look pressure drops along the island. In the southern JDF I good predictor is to look at pressure gradient. Big swings it will get ugly. https://bigwavedave.ca/pressure-gradient.html

Remember also this time of year it's more about what the current is doing then anything. Winter it is a different story. Winter opposing wind and current even slightly can be gross.

In Nanaimo for example I look at what is going on Gabriola Passage so I can judge current direction etc. Wind opposing current it will stack up. Doesn't matter what your wind forecast says.

Anyone ever interested the power squadron weather course is great to take. I found it pretty valuable.

 

[BC Coast Pilot]

How much $$$? Montly or annual fee?

Lifetime, it was 79.95

Windy.app – Live wind map & weather forecast

Wind speed and direction map. Detailed weather forecast for your location. Weather tools for kiters, surfers, sailors and all outdoor sports lovers. Forecast models ECMWF, ICON, GFS, NAM, WRF

windy.app

Make sure it's windy.APP NOT windy.com

 

[Sir Reel]

You can add the real-time weather reports to Windy. It's not on by default, but if you open the menu and then under "display more layers" you can add "reported wind"

That works great! Thanks for the tip.
Seems to be a few missing though.

 

[jackfish]

Windy has multiple models you can select from. 6 in the free version on my phone. I use ECMWF, and find it to be reasonably good. I define reasonable as, I check the forecast the night before going out and I can count on the forecast for the next day.

 

[Chuck]

Lifetime, it was 79.95

Windy.app – Live wind map & weather forecast

Wind speed and direction map. Detailed weather forecast for your location. Weather tools for kiters, surfers, sailors and all outdoor sports lovers. Forecast models ECMWF, ICON, GFS, NAM, WRF

windy.app

Make sure it's windy.APP NOT windy.com

Seems as though most don't pay for premium service for these apps but I'm curious. Do you find the paid premium Windy is more accurate than the free version?

 

[BC Coast Pilot]

Seems as though most don't pay for premium service for these apps but I'm curious. Do you find the paid premium Windy is more accurate than the free version?

Yes, I paid for lifetime, 80 bucks I think. The functionality comes alive for sure, It kinda picks up speed and provides more data. Seems that the free modeling is limited or choked. I Use it for offshore especially for tuna windows. But, I also use it locally for operations and find it is excellent.

 

[pescador]

Yes, I paid for lifetime, 80 bucks I think. The functionality comes alive for sure, It kinda picks up speed and provides more data. Seems that the free modeling is limited or choked. I Use it for offshore especially for tuna windows. But, I also use it locally for operations and find it is excellent.

There are 2 Russian brothers on YouTube called “ San Diego Captains”. They run yachts continuously from Seattle/Vancouver area down and back to California and other destinations like Hawaii/Florida. Mostly 60-100 ft size Yachts. Many are Nordhavn’s…..anyway my point is, they use Windy I think exclusively going up and down the West coast. And believe me they encounter some snotty conditions from time to time. I’m amazed how accurate it is when I see them doing their multi-day planning. I’m going to buy the paid version this year after watching them.

 

[BC Coast Pilot]

There are 2 Russian brothers on YouTube called “ San Diego Captains”. They run yachts continuously from Seattle/Vancouver area down and back to California and other destinations like Hawaii/Florida. Mostly 60-100 ft size Yachts. Many are Nordhavn’s…..anyway my point is, they use Windy I think exclusively going up and down the West coast. And believe me they encounter some snotty conditions from time to time. I’m amazed how accurate it is when I see them doing their multi-day planning. I’m going to buy the paid version this year after watching them.

Looks like a nice day out there today!