Wind/wave forecasts

[F51]

It seems to me that Weather Radio's winds and waves tend to be a little light. Time after time it seems to me the wind is stronger and waves higher than their forecast. What say you?

[carstenb]

Originally Posted by F51

It seems to me that Weather Radio's winds and waves tend to be a little light. Time after time it seems to me the wind is stronger and waves higher than their forecast. What say you?

I find that if I add 10-15% to forecast (even Predict Wind) then it is correct. Don't forget - all forecasts are averages - so if they say 15 knots of wind - then you can expect to see anything from say 12 to 18 knots with gusts even higher.

Same for the waves

[chuckr]

We have always added at least 5k

[StuM]

Originally Posted by chuckr

We have always added at least 5k

Unless the forecast is 5-10 knots. Then you usually need to subtract 5

[roetter]

The wind forecast is for 10m height above the water. You are measuring higher up, so more wind is expected. There is a gradient in the wind speed between near the water and higher up.
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[StuM]

Originally Posted by roetter

The wind forecast is for 10m height above the water. You are measuring higher up, so more wind is expected. There is a gradient in the wind speed between near the water and higher up.
Attachment 91684

Here's another view that makes it even clearer: