Help/FAQ

Forecast

• What is the Forecast?
  The Forecast is based on the GFS-model of the American Weather Service NOAA. Forecasts are available for every location worldwide. The horizontal resolution is about 27km. Forecasts are created four times a day, at about 5, 11, 17 and 23 o'clock UTC.
• What is the Superforecast?
  The Superforecast for Europe is based on the newest versions of regional weather prediction models. At the moment the Superforecast is available for Europe in a horizontal resolution of 12 kilometers in hourly timesteps. The forecasts are generated four times a day, at about 4, 10, 16 and 22 o'clock UTC. There is no time delay, all values are presented as they become available from our computers. The Superforecast for Northern America covers North America with a horizontal resolution of 12 kilometers in hourly timesteps. Forecasts are generated at about 3.30, 9.30, 15.30 and 21.30 o'clock UTC:
  The Superforecast for Egypt uses a 7km resolution in hourly timesteps. The forecast are updated at about 4, 10, 16 and 22 o'clock UTC.
• Why are the forecasts sometimes inaccurate?Forecast Superforecast
  We always want to present you the best forecasts. Unfortunately, the forecasts for some spots and some wind directions are not as good as we want them to be. There are local effects and thermal influences at these spots, which are very hard to predict. If you surf for many years at your local spot you may know these peculiarities. But we are already working on this problem.
  It is also possible that the general weather situation is very unstable, so that all numerical weather prediction models have problems forecasting the development of the weather situation. The path of pressure systems (high / low pressure) is crucial for the wind conditions. The computation of this path can be wrong if there are unstable weather situations.
  Further the forecast quality declines with longer forecast horizons (e.g. 3 days or longer). This is a general problem with weather prediction models.
• Why are there different values for Forecast and Superforecast?
  Forecast and Superforecast are based on different physical models. These models may predict the weather dynamics in different ways which results in different wind forecasts. Different values are a sign for the stability of the general weather situation.
• Which one is better, Forecast or Superforecast?
  Because of the better horizontal resolution, a more advanced physical model and a more detailed terrain model the Superforecast should be preferred. In addition, all predicted values are available in hourly timesteps.
  In general, you have to look for your local spot which forecast model works better for you. For some spots this will be the Superforecast, for others this may also be the Forecast.
• How do you compute wind gust?Forecast Superforecast
  The wind gusts are computed by our forecast models. The forecasted values correspond to the maximum wind gusts at the given time.
• How do you compute air pressure?Forecast Superforecast
  The air pressure is measured at the elevation of the weather station. The forecasted air pressure is calculated for the elevation of the location.
• How should I interpret the wind direction arrows?Forecast Superforecast
  The arrows are aligned with the wind stream direction. Example: a northerly wind (e.g. a wind that is coming from the north, blowing to the south) is indicated with an arrow pointing downward.
• Are there forecast maps?Forecast Superforecast
  In addition to our spot forecasts we also have forecast maps for both Forecast and Superforecast. There is also a animation for every forecast map. Forecast maps give you a better picture of the general weather situation. There you can clearly see whether you are in the middle of a big wind field or if your local spot is barely touched by the wind field.
  Forecast maps for Forecast
  Forecast maps for Superforecast
• What are the wave forecasts?Forecast Wave
  The wave forecasts are computed with the global wave forecast model WW3 run by the American Weather Service NOAA. The forecasted wave values only give an esitimation about the expected waves. Local conditions at the beaches can modify these values.
• How can I give feedback?Forecast
  We are always interested in your experiences with our forecasts for your local spot. If you have any feedback, suggestions or questions, don't hesitate to send a mail to info -- at -- windfinder.com
• Are the timestamps in local or UTC time?Forecast Superforecast
  All date and time values are in local time of the weather station.
• Do you archive forecasts?Forecast Superforecast
  We do not archive raw forecast data, we only archive measurements from our weather stations. If you want to receive past weather data, have a look at our historical weather data request page.
• The forecasts do not update!Forecast Superforecast
  If the weather data does not update please click on the "Reload" button of your browser. If that does not help press and hold the "shift" key on your keyboard and click on the "Reload" button of your browser. You can also try to clear the browser cache.

Report

• What is the meaning of the blue and red lines?Report
  The blue line indicates the average wind speed, the red line indicates the wind gusts. Please note that wind gusts are not available for all weather station and/or on all measurements.
• How can I see the past wind speed measurements?Report
  You can watch measurement data for up to seven days in the past. To access these just select your preferred date in the "Past data" menu on the right hand side over the report chart. If your requested date is older than seven days, have a look at our historical weather data request page.

Statistics

• How do you generate your wind statistics?
  The wind statistics are generated from wind speed measurements at our weather stations. These are based on real measurements, not only forecasts. We only use the measurements from the daytime hours to compute the statistics. The statistics are refreshed at the beginning of each month.
• I live near a place where you have statistics for, and your statistics are way off!
  As the wind statistics are generated based on real wind speed measurements, the main factor in the wind statistics accuracy is the location and setup of the weather station itself. For example it may be placed in a wind shadow area for some directions which will affect the wind readings. If you want to report such a weather station or if you know another local weather station that gives better results, don't hesitate to contact us via email to info@windfinder.com.
• What do the wind rose plots mean?Statistics
  The wind direction distribution shows the percentage with which the wind blows from certain directions.

Maps

• My browser always says you would like to get my position. Why do you need this?Maps
  Your browser can inform us about your approximate position. We use this data to center the maps over your position. The data is not stored by us or used for any other features of the website. Have a look at the Firefox Geolocation description page (other browsers work similar).
• How should I interpret the wind direction arrows?Maps
  The arrows are aligned with the wind stream direction. Example: a northerly wind (e.g. a wind that is coming from the north, blowing to the south) is indicated with an arrow pointing downward.
• What does "Most recent spot" mean?Maps
  This button takes you back to the forecast or report page you recently visited. This is especially useful if you want to jump back and forth between our maps and spot forecasts.

Units

• Where can I change the units?Maps
  You can change your preferred units on our settings page.
• How should I interpret the wind direction arrows?
  The arrows are aligned with the wind stream direction. Example: a northerly wind (e.g. a wind that is coming from the north, blowing to the south) is indicated with an arrow pointing downward.

Recent spots

• What are my "recent spots?" How do you know this?
  Every time you visit a spot forecast or report, we store this information in a cookie. This cookie is only available on your browser, and we only use this information to show you your most recently visited spots.
• Why should I use "recent spots"?
  A lot of users told us they keep watching forecasts for several locations. With the "recent spots" menu, there is an easy and fast way to jump back and forth between these recently used spots. Think of it as a kind of "smart bookmark".

Directory

• Is it possible to add a directory entry?
  You can add an entry for your surf- and sailing related business here. Please note that it may take some days until we validate new entries.
• A directory entry seems to be outdated. I would like to update it.
  On the bottom of every directory entry page, you will find a link where you can report abuse, broken links or wrong information. You can use this link or simply send us a mail with the exact business name that needs to be updated.

iPhone app

• The app always throws an error "Windfinder Server Problem".iPhone
  Please check if your date, time and timezone is set properly - best option would be to set these to automatic. Most of the time that's the reason why this error occurs. If the error persists, don't hesitate to contact us, we will help you out then.
• Are the timestamps in local or UTC time?iPhone
  All date and time values are in local time of the weather station.
• What is the difference between the paid version and the free version?iPhone
  The free version is ad-supported, the Pro version does not contain any ads. The Pro version also features the Superforecast, our high resolution weather forecast model and forecast maps. Find more information about our weather forecast models here. Future new features might only be available in the Pro version.
• How can I cancel my Wind alarm subscription?iPhone
  We use the standard way how Apple designed subscriptions. Therefore you can only cancel the subscription yourself. There is an explanation available at:
  http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4098
• What do the different lines on the report screen mean?iPhone
  The blue line indicates the average wind speed, the red line indicates the wind gusts. Please note that wind gusts are not available for all weather station and/or on all measurements.
• What does the "h" on the forecast screen stand for?iPhone
  The "h" stands for hour. "8h" means 8am, "9h" means 9am, "20h" means 8pm and so on.
• Why there are two forecast screens for the same day?iPhone
  We have two different forecast models. A normal forecast and a high resolution forecast models. See "Which one is better, Forecast or Superforecast?".

Android app

• The app always throws an error "Windfinder Server Problem"Android
  Please check if your date, time and timezone is set properly - best option would be to set these to automatic. Most of the time that's the reason why this error occurs. If the error persists, don't hesitate to contact us, we will help you out then.
• The app always throws an error "License check failed"Android
  This error is mainly caused by weak connection signals. Please make sure your connection indicators on the top right of the screen are green and you are using a strong internet connection, WiFi preferred.
• Are the timestamps in local or UTC time?Android
  All date and time values are in local time of the weather station.
• What is the difference between the paid version and the free version?Android
  The free version is ad-supported, the Pro version does not contain any ads. The Pro version also features the Superforecast, our high resolution weather forecast model and forecast maps. Find more information about our weather forecast models here. Future new features might only be available in the Pro version.
• What do the different lines on the report screen mean?Android
  The blue line indicates the average wind speed, the red line indicates the wind gusts. Please note that wind gusts are not available for all weather station and/or on all measurements.
• What does the "h" on the forecast screen stand for?Android
  The "h" stands for hour. "8h" means 8am, "9h" means 9am, "20h" means 8pm and so on.
• Why there are two forecast screens for the same day?Android
  We have two different forecast models. A normal forecast and a high resolution forecast models. See "Which one is better, Forecast or Superforecast?".
• How can I find new spots on my HTC One?Android
  Please press and hold the "last apps" button on the bottom right, the menu should appear and allow you to select the context menu (including "Search" to find new locations).
• How can I add new locations?Android
  When you are on the favorites screen please press the menu key (hardware button) on the bottom left of the phone to access the context menu and select 'Search' to find and add locations to your favorites screen. If you don't have a menu key then look for a software button with 3 vertical dots.
• How do I delete favorites?Android
  Please press and hold a favorite until it is marked. Then press the trash can icon on the top right.
• How can I reinstall my Windfinder Pro App? Do I have to pay again?Android
  Downloading previously purchased apps is possible in Google Play. You won't be charged again. Please make sure that you are using the same account that you used for the purchase of the app.

Sail weather SMS

• How can I stop the automatic gale warning?Sail weather SMS
  Log into your online account and remove the check mark in the check box under "Personal settings concerning gale warning" at "Automatic gale warning status. Then click on "Send".
• How is the network coverage on sea? Can I use the sailing weather SMS there, too?Sail weather SMS
  As a rule of thumb one can say that the network coverage reaches out into the sea up to 10 to 12 seamiles. Precise information about thenet coverage is given by GSM World. As long as your cell phone has network, you can call up sailing weather SMS.
• How can I change my settings?Sail weather SMS
  Log into your online account and remove the check mark in the check box under "Personal settings concerning gale warning" at "Automatic gale warning status. Then click on "Send".
• I configured automatic forecast SMS, but I did not receive any!Sail weather SMS
  Log into your online account and remove the check mark in the check box under "Personal settings concerning gale warning" at "Automatic gale warning status. Then click on "Send".
• I called +49 69 58997617 + area extension, made the phone ring once, but did not get an SMS.Sail weather SMS
  The system can send you an SMS only if it can identify your phone number. Therefore switch on the caller line identification of your cell phone. If this does not work, it may be that you are staying in an area without network coverage. If you are in a foreign country, please read
• How do I reorder if my credit is zero?Sail weather SMS
  If you want to recharge by bank transfer, please transfer the relevant sum to our bank account (The bank code and the IBAN Number are needed for transfers from foreign countries).

  • Account holder: Windfinder
  • Account number: 821028800
  • Bank code number: 200 700 24 (Deutsche Bank Hamburg)
  • Purpose: <Your cellphone number>
  • Bankcode: DEUTDEDBHAM
  • IBAN No.: DE89200700240821028800

  The sum transfered is credited as soon as we receie it. If you want to load your bank account by direct debit/automatic debit transfer, log into your online account , click on "Check / Recharge credits" and then recharge according to the instructions given there.