Why is Windline’s forecast different from my weather app?
Updated
Usually because your weather app shows one town at one hour, while Windline shows each stretch of your route at the time you’ll reach it. Different forecast providers, gust heights and wind directions relative to the road also change the numbers.
Place and time
A ride of 100 km (62 miles) can cross several valleys, a coast and a pass over five or six hours. Your phone’s weather app shows one point, usually where you are now. Windline reads the forecast at each stretch, at the minute you’ll be there. Expect differences, especially on the coast and in the mountains.
Wind speed versus headwind
Windline’s headline number is the headwind or tailwind along the road, not the wind speed. A 20 km/h (12 mph) wind from the side gives almost no headwind. Compare the WIND tile on the day page with your app instead: it shows the average wind and the strongest gusts.
Different providers
Windline uses Apple Weather. Other apps may use other forecast models, which can disagree, particularly about gusts several days out. Gusts in Windline are as forecast at 10 m (33 ft), the usual height for weather forecasts.
How accurate is it?
Windline is as good as the forecast it’s built on, and no forecast is certain. Accuracy improves as the day gets closer, so check again the evening before and that morning. For storms and extreme weather, follow your national weather service.