We have introduced two new features in the PredictWind App to make viewing forecasts and switching between locations quicker and easier.
You can now view forecasts for your device's current location without having to create or save a forecast location first.
We have also made it easier to switch between locations. You can now use the location drop-down menu at the top of any page in the PredictWind App, without having to return to the main menu.
View forecasts for your current location
The PredictWind App can now use your device's location to display the forecast for where you are, without requiring you to save the location to your list of forecast locations.
This is particularly useful when travelling, sailing or visiting a new area and you want to quickly check the local forecast.
To view the forecast for your current location:
Open the PredictWind App.
Tap the location drop-down menu at the top of the page.
Select the My Location option.
The App will use your device's location to display the forecast for your current position.
Note: You must allow the PredictWind App to access your device's location for this feature to work. Make sure Location Services are enabled in your device settings.
Quickly switch between forecast locations
You no longer need to return to the main menu to change your forecast location.
The location drop-down menu is now accessible from any page in the PredictWind App, making it easier to switch between your saved forecast locations or view the forecast for your current position.
To change your forecast location:
Tap the location drop-down menu at the top of the page.
Select the forecast location you want to view from your list of saved locations, or choose My Location.
The App will update to display the forecast information for your selected location.
The selected location will apply throughout the PredictWind App, so you can continue viewing forecasts and other available features without having to select the location again on each page.
Do I still need to save forecast locations?
No. If you simply want to check the forecast for your current position, you can now do so without saving a location.
However, you can still create and save forecast locations for places you regularly visit or want to monitor, making it easy to return to them whenever needed.
This gives you the flexibility to quickly view forecasts wherever you are, while keeping your favourite forecast locations readily available.
Important for water-based activities: If you are sailing, boating or taking part in other water-based activities, we recommend saving a forecast location directly on the water rather than relying on My Location. Weather conditions and forecasts can differ significantly between land and water, particularly in coastal areas. Selecting a location on the water helps ensure you are viewing the most relevant marine forecast.
How does My Location select the forecast?
When you select My Location, the PredictWind App uses your device's GPS position to find the most suitable forecast location nearby. Where available, this may include our high-resolution 1 km forecast models, providing more detailed local forecast information.
On the map, your actual GPS position is shown as a white dot, while the green dot indicates the location used to generate your forecast.
These two locations may be slightly different. For example, if you are close to the coast, the App may select a nearby forecast location over the water rather than on land, helping provide a more relevant forecast for marine conditions.
In the example below, the white dot shows my actual location, while the green dot shows the forecast location selected by the App, just offshore from the beach.
Note: It is not possible to prevent My Location from automatically selecting a nearby forecast location over the water, where available. If you prefer to view the forecast for your exact location on land, you will need to save that location manually rather than use My Location. This ensures the forecast location remains fixed at your chosen position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my device doesn't have GPS?
If your device does not have built-in GPS, such as a Wi-Fi-only iPad, the PredictWind App can still determine your approximate location using nearby Wi-Fi networks and your device's Location Services. This location may be less accurate than a GPS-based position, depending on the availability of nearby Wi-Fi networks.