Forecast Model
February 27, 2025
A forecast model is a numerical weather prediction system that calculates future marine conditions from observed atmospheric and ocean data. For boaters, it provides gridded predictions of wind, pressure, rain, temperature, waves and sometimes currents for coastal and offshore navigation.
Choosing and comparing forecast models matters because each model handles terrain, fronts, squalls and sea state differently. A prudent skipper checks model agreement before committing to a passage, anchorage or race strategy, using the output alongside Forecast Accuracy, GRIB files and Weather Routing to manage safety, comfort and performance.
PredictWind displays leading global and high-resolution models, including ECMWF, GFS, ICON and PredictWind’s 1km wind maps, in its apps and web forecasts. Offshore users can download model data via the Offshore App, compare updates at sea and use Departure Planning to select a more favourable weather window.
