Rain

Rain is liquid precipitation falling from clouds onto the sea, coast or vessel, expressed in marine forecasts as expected occurrence, intensity or accumulated amount. For boaters, it is not simply wet weather; rain can signal changing air masses, frontal activity, squalls or convective cells that may alter wind, visibility and onboard conditions.

Rain matters because it can reduce lookout range, obscure navigation marks, make decks slippery and increase workload during sail changes, anchoring or harbour entry. Heavy rain may accompany stronger Wind Gust, deteriorating Sea State, and measurable Rainfall that affects comfort, drainage and electronics protection on passage.

PredictWind rain maps, forecast tables and GRIB downloads help crews compare timing and intensity across models before committing to a route or departure window. Near shore, Rain Radar can help identify active showers and fast-moving cells, while offshore forecasts provide broader guidance for planning watches, sail selection and visibility management.