Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post

kjbathe · 04-13-2016, 07:42 AM

I find NOAA's weather.gov to be very good. The hourly weather graphs give you temp, wind, direction, sky cover and precipitation potential in an easy to use format. Many other apps will show a single icon for the day. For example, 90% chance of rain. That's not a boating day until you realize that 90% starts at 4 PM. Lots of good boating to be had before 4 PM.

I also use the composite radar to judge storm speed and direction. Generally (generally, not always) you have a couple hours for weather to reach the lake across Vermont or from Western Mass / CT. If it's rain, that's pretty predictable. If it's thunderstorms, we tend to stay closer to home for easy lake exit and safety.

In general, winds less than 10 mph and precipitation potential less than 30% are beautiful summer days on the water. 15 mph winds can still be enjoyable but you need to find spots to hide as folks have noted above. 15-20+ MPH and we stay home.

Always keep an eye to the sky. NOAA Forecasts are really good, but they are still just modeled predictions. Paying attention to changing skies and shifting winds will help keep you safe.

04-13-2016, 07:42 AM	#20
kjbathe Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 286 Thanks: 3 Thanked 22 Times in 12 Posts	Weather.gov I find NOAA's weather.gov to be very good. The hourly weather graphs give you temp, wind, direction, sky cover and precipitation potential in an easy to use format. Many other apps will show a single icon for the day. For example, 90% chance of rain. That's not a boating day until you realize that 90% starts at 4 PM. Lots of good boating to be had before 4 PM. I also use the composite radar to judge storm speed and direction. Generally (generally, not always) you have a couple hours for weather to reach the lake across Vermont or from Western Mass / CT. If it's rain, that's pretty predictable. If it's thunderstorms, we tend to stay closer to home for easy lake exit and safety. In general, winds less than 10 mph and precipitation potential less than 30% are beautiful summer days on the water. 15 mph winds can still be enjoyable but you need to find spots to hide as folks have noted above. 15-20+ MPH and we stay home. Always keep an eye to the sky. NOAA Forecasts are really good, but they are still just modeled predictions. Paying attention to changing skies and shifting winds will help keep you safe.