On Base Camp, my Pearson 31-2, I focus on just a few websites and graphs to help predict and forecast the weather. I use the NOAA sites for planning the next sailing expedition and for setting expectations on departures and destinations. Reading and understanding the information on these websites is what I cover in this blog. An additional blog entry will follow with information on real-time weather/sea state conditions that you can use while you are out on the water.
Using a few weather models, I have become pretty accurate with the results of my process. Of course, the short-range (within 12-24 hours) forecast is going to be much more accurate than long-range data.
I start with NOAA’s ‘Point Forecast’ for the Annapolis area shown below (link here). This area is Base Camp's home cruising grounds. However, you will be able to drill into any cruising area as I show you how to do it later in this blog.
Second, the 'Hourly Weather Graph' (link here) - the very extra special sauce of pretty detailed information - is so important to me that I have it set as my browser home page is (drum roll please) ... Clicking that highlighted image below the map, also located on the right column takes you to my weather forecasting crown jewel with a wealth of detailed and very pertinent information.
Check back in a few weeks for some more great information on weather/sea state condition reports while you are actually sailing on the Bay. My blog will also include information on great apps for real-time tide, current, wind and sea state conditions.