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What is Hybrid Satellite Imagery?

Learn how to use PredictWind's new Hybrid Satellite Imagery, including Global Rain Radar, Lightning and GMDSS overlays.

Written by Keryn McMaster

Hybrid Satellite Imagery & Global Rain Radar

Hybrid Satellite Imagery replaces the previous Satellite Imagery service in PredictWind and is available on the Basic subscription and above.

It combines satellite imagery from multiple sources into a single high-resolution global image, giving you a clearer view of cloud cover and weather systems worldwide.

You can also overlay:

  • Rain Radar

  • Lightning

  • GMDSS Marine Warnings

all on the same screen for a complete view of current weather conditions.

How to Access Hybrid Satellite Imagery

PredictWind Website & PredictWind App (iOS & Android)

  1. Open the Main Menu.

  2. Select Observations.

  3. Open Hybrid Satellite Imagery.

Use the Layer menu to display:

  • Rain Radar

  • Lightning

  • GMDSS Warnings

These overlays can be viewed individually or together on top of this Satellite Imagery.

Offshore App (Mac, PC, iOS, Android)

  1. Open Download Settings.

  2. Enable Hybrid Sat Imagery.

  3. Download your weather data.

  4. Open Hybrid Sat Imagery from the menu.

Tip: Hybrid Satellite imagery files can be large. For faster downloads and lower satellite data usage, keep your download area as small as practical. Download this data on a low bandwidth device such as the Iridium GO! as a smaller area after downloading your WIND GRIBs etc.

Why Use Hybrid Satellite Imagery?

Satellite imagery shows where weather systems are right now. By adding Rain Radar, Lightning and GMDSS overlays, you can better understand the strength, movement and potential impact of those systems.

With all layers displayed together, you can:

  • See cloud structure and weather systems in real time

  • Identify rain bands, fronts and squall lines more easily

  • Monitor active thunderstorms with lightning data

  • View official marine safety warnings alongside the weather causing them

  • Track developing weather before it reaches your location

  • Make more informed routing and safety decisions

For example, a cloud band visible on satellite imagery may appear harmless on its own. Add Rain Radar and Lightning overlays and you can quickly identify whether it contains heavy rain, thunderstorms or severe weather.

Global Rain Radar

Global Rain Radar can be displayed directly on top of Hybrid Satellite Imagery, allowing you to see rainfall and cloud development together on a single map.

This provides greater awareness of approaching rain bands, fronts and squalls, helping you understand not just where the clouds are, but what weather they are producing.

Summary

Hybrid Satellite Imagery brings together:

  • Global Satellite Imagery

  • Global Rain Radar

  • Lightning

  • GMDSS Warnings

into a single weather observation screen, giving you the most complete picture of developing weather systems available in PredictWind.

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