The Weather Models Introduction Webinar was recorded 8th September 2021. We had an overwhelming response with over 9,000 registrations. Thank you all for your support.
Here is the link to the Video on Youtube https://youtu.be/WB3sFn9m1i0
Below, we answer the 11 most commonly asked questions:
1/ How do I register or join up to PredictWind?
2/ Which model is the best or most accurate?
3/ What is the difference between each model?
4/ You mentioned other webinars, can I look at those?
5/ What is high resolution and what does it mean?
6/ When are the forecasts updated each day?
7/ Do I need a paid subscription to use PredictWind?
8/ How do I upgrade?
9/ Are geographical effects in the model?
10/ When will the validation tool you talked about be available and what does it do?
11/ Can I have the slides from the Webinar?
1/ How do I register or join up to PredictWind?
If you are not already registered with PredictWind you can sign up for free at https://forecast.predictwind.com/en/register/free/yourDetails
2/ Which model is the best or most accurate?
Unfortunately, there is no "golden rule" for which model is more accurate. Often there are periods where one model is better, then it swaps around. If all models are similar, you can have more confidence in the forecast. If they are very different it just shows the uncertainty in the situation.
Please see the accuracy ratings of the models from a national weather centre at https://www.predictwind.com/model-validation-technical-report/
With 1-2 models it can be difficult to decide on which forecast to select, but with up to 9 models the decision is easier to see a consensus.
You can also check the live real-time observations in your area to see which model is tracking best.
3/ What is the difference between each model?
To clarify the terminology for the different models that PredictWind offers, see the Help article at http://help.predictwind.com/en/articles/2884560-what-does-pwg-pwe-gfs-ecmwf-spire-ukmo-hrrr-nam-arome-stand-for
4/ You mentioned other webinars, can I look at those?
Here is the Webinars Playlist link, you can also see a detailed list of previous webinars at https://help.predictwind.com/en/articles/5558798-predictwind-webinars
5/ What is high resolution and what does it mean?
This was covered extensively in the webinar, here is a short Video explaining high resolution.
6/ When are the forecasts updated each day?
We recommend checking the weather at least twice a day to get the latest information.
Forecast update times for each model can be found in the Help Centre article https://help.predictwind.com/en/articles/2884589-forecast-update-times-all-gmt-time-zones
7/ Do I need a paid subscription to use PredictWind?
We offer 4 levels of subscription to PredictWind, Free, Basic, Standard and Professional.
Free: 2 saved locations anywhere in the world. Location changes are unlimited but restricted to 6 changes for each 6hr forecast period, Daily briefing, Forecast tables and graphs, Maps include wind, 50km wave, rain, cloud, isobar and air temp, Solunar data, Download 50km & 100KM GRIB files using the Offshore App on the internet or cellular connection.
Basic: US$12/ 3months or US$29/ year. This includes everything on the Free plus;
12 saved locations anywhere in the world, PWG & PWE 1km wind Maps, ECMWF 14km wave Maps, CAPE maps, Real-time observations and forecast alerts.
Standard: US$99/ 3months or US$249/ year. This includes everything on the Basic plus;
1km sea surface temp Maps, Weather Routing, Departure Planning, Destination Spot Forecast, Access to GRIB files/Satellite imagery & GMDSS forecast over a satellite connection.
Professional: US$249/ 3months or US$499/ year. This includes everything on the Standard plus;
Ocean and tidal current GRIB files, SST sea temp GRIB files, PWG / PWE 1km High Res GRIB files, PWG / PWE 8km High Res GRIB files, ECMWF Global 9km GRIB files
8/ How do I upgrade?
To upgrade your PredictWind Forecast account, go to https://forecast.predictwind.com/register/change/package and select the appropriate package. You may need to log in to your PredictWind account. After making the purchase, please log out and in from within the PredictWind App on your iOS or Android device OR refresh your web browser on your computer.
9/ Are geographical effects in the model?
Yes, the high-resolution models take into account geographical and thermal effects. The higher the resolution of the model the more detailed the land schematic is.
10/ When will the validation tool you talked about be available and what does it do?
The validation tool will be available by the end of next week. It ranks models based on the performance against an observation point.
11/ Can I have the slides from the Webinar?
Slides from Webinar can be accessed and downloaded here. You are welcome to use these in any form.
We have an extensive Help Centre at https://help.predictwind.com/en/ which would be worth taking the time to look at.
If you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to start a new conversation at https://www.predictwind.com/contact-us/ or by emailing us at support@predictwind.com.