Satfish Wind Charts display the current wind speed and a 5-day wind forecast so that you can see if it will be windy when you are out on the water. Wind forecasts are critical for planning a fishing trip to ensure that you keep your crew and vessel safely away from dangerous weather conditions and hazardous seas. Winds can change quickly, so before leaving the dock, always check our wind map along with the official marine forecasts produced by the National Weather Service (NWS/NOAA).
We use the latest wind forecast model data available from one of the primary models produced and used by NWS/NOAA, the Global Forecast System (GFS) model. Our wind map offers the latest now-time wind speeds updated 4 times per day, plus 3-hourly forecasts out to 3 days and 6-hourly forecasts for days 4 and 5.
The wind is generated by differences in the atmospheric pressure. In general, stronger changes in pressure mean stronger winds. As air flows from areas of high to low pressure, it is deflected due to Earth’s rotation and spherical shape. This is called the Coriolis effect and means that the wind travels counterclockwise around low pressure storms (like hurricanes and nor’easters) in the Northern Hemisphere, and clockwise south of the equator.
Winds blowing over the water generate waves. The faster, longer, and farther the wind blows, the bigger the waves. This is why it’s so important to always check the wind and waves forecasts before you head out to go fishing, to make sure that you and your vessel are prepared for the seas you will encounter – or to stay home and fish another day if conditions are too windy and rough.