Weather Links

The weather is critical to planning any sailing trip and understanding the forecast is an important skill for any skipper. There are many different sources for weather data and weather predictions. All predictions are based on complex models, and sadly none are totally reliable. It often pays to look at several different sources to see if there is a common theme:

www.metoffice.gov.uk - all the latest shipping, inshore and extended forecasts plus pressure charts

www.bbc.co.uk - As well as access to the Met office forecasts above, this includes UK tide times

www.marinecall.co.uk - Professional forecasts (Met office), accessible by phone, fax or online.

www.ecmwf.int - European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Useful for planning.

www.weatheronline.co.uk - Seven day wind forecasts.

www.xcweather.co.uk - Easy to use 6-day cross country forecast

marine.meteofrance.com - Useful forecasts when crossing the channel

www.jerseymet.gov.je - Forecasts for the Channel Islands area

www.grib.us - The original source for ugrib weather data file, with free downloadable software.

www.windguru.cz - Detailed forecast for windsurfers and kitesurfers but useful to all

www.myweather2.com - Another useful real time forecasting site.

easytide.ukho.gov.uk - Free tidal info from the UK Hydrographic Office.