Weather links
Collected weather links and how I think about kite forecasts in Åre and how the weather and forecasts affect safety on the mountain. In addition, I have posted links to the current weather for those who are already here and want to know what the reality is.
Feel free to contact me with questions and what I think about the possibilities of kiting in and around Åre.
Forecasts
SMHI
I normally get the main information about weather and winds from SMHI, which in my expereince give the best overall forecast. However, keep in mind that the location referred to by SMHI is unclear and that in a montain environment the wind can be very different depending on the location and height above sea level.
Windy
In addition to SMHI, I use Windy as my main app to see air currents over time and to see wind at different altitudes. By using the slider that shows “Ground” and dragging it to 900 meters, I know what the air currents look like approximately where the bare mountain begins.
Weather stations
Draklanda – Holfuy
Åre paragliding club (ÅSDFK) has a Holfuy meter located at the clubhouse at Draklanda. below VM8. It sits a little to leeward so expect it to be 2-4 m/s too low compared to the middle of the lake, but at least it gives a good indication of direction and strength.
Weather station Draklanda – https://holfuy.com/en/weather/1230
Hummelstugan
ÅSDFK also has a meter at Hummelstugan, at the Hummeln lift mountain station. It stands to leeward when there is too much north and even on north-east and south winds it can show large variations in mean and gusting winds, greater than one would expect at sea. But in the eastern and western direction, it shows good values for those who want to go up the mountain. If you want to kite on the lake, it often shows about 5 m/s more than what it is on the lake.
Weather station on Hummeln – http://meac.se/sub_2/hummeln/wind.asp
SkiStar
Skistar’s detailed weather information is difficult to find on their website. Unfortunately, it does not show wind direction but with the help of the other stations you can build up an idea of wind at different heights.
The Skistar app and website only show forecasts, but this link shows the actual values.
SKISTAR – https://www.skistar.com/sv/vinter/vader-backar/detaljerad-vaderinformation/
Swedish Trafic Board
The road authority has stations along the road and the ones that give the most accurate strength are at Gevsjön and Ånn. The meters are there to show the wind on the road, so they are all slightly to leeward.