How accurate is NOAA, really?

[science abuse]

Originally Posted by science abuse

After this weekend, it appears the best solution is not bother checking the weather before your trip. Just ask the Harbormaster when you get there. He'll tell you someting different than the forecasting tools, and he'll be right.

Someone gave me anonymous "negative reputation" for this quip? What kind of whiney hypersensitive internet forum BS is that?

"Dangerous and foolish. I hope nobody takes your advice!"

Yes, god forbid you you actually talk to a human person who's likely LIVED on that stretch of cost for a few decades what he thinks of the weather forecast.
The fact remains that the computerized forcasting tools were wrong, and he was right. Had I blindly followed the tools, I'd have been stuck on that island for 3 or 4 days.

[michael pierzga]

The best local forecast comes from the harbour master. And dont be worried about reputation points....its a scam.

[FMS]

I agree with Hoyt.

Originally Posted by hoytedow

If you are not checking the weather, please name me in your will before you go.

Calling ahead to an unknown harbormaster at an unknown port wouldn't be my only source of weather info. Maybe the guy was hired yesterday or you get the gas dock kid answering the radio...

[science abuse]

Originally Posted by FMS

I agree with Hoyt.

Calling ahead to an unknown harbormaster at an unknown port wouldn't be my only source of weather info. Maybe the guy was hired yesterday or you get the gas dock kid answering the radio...

I was under the mistaken impression that some one bearing the title of Harbormaster actually had to submit a resume of some kind.

[hoytedow]

Safety Harbor doesn't even have a harbormaster.

[science abuse]

Originally Posted by hoytedow

Safety Harbor doesn't even have a harbormaster.

If you are seeking a Harbor of Refuge, then you've probably got a good idea of what the weather is.

[michael pierzga]

I frequently sail in an area with strong Katabatic winds. The forecast may or maynot predice it. The Harbormaster senses it first thing in the morning when he sees the cloud formation on the mountian face and is the best source for info on the winds local behavior. Fisherman are also tuned in.

[masalai]

Weather forecasting has nothing to do with whethers (casterated male sheep) but often one is inclined to think otherwise..

It pays to be familiar with the charts produced in your area and in the overview of your area... These indicate wind direction and speed for - - Australia - - Queensland - - Brisbane - - regions... http://www.bom.gov.au/marine/wind.shtml

[masalai]

This one gives waves (height and direction of travel) and can be configured to give up to 7 days forecast... Very useful tool... http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/char...ype=sigWaveHgt

[masalai]

http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/char...ea=Au&model=CG This type of chart shows forecast mean-sea-level-pressure as well as anticipated precipitation... And there are a variety of useful tools derived from data gathered from ships at sea, thousands of floating (wandering) meteorological buoys, Doppler radar, satellite imagery in several different narrow bandwidths of the spectrum (optical & infra red etc..)

Use 'forecast-charts' regularly at your home, and gradually you will understand their limitations, and value, and appreciate what the forecasts can offer as you gain more experience and general knowledge...

[masalai]

This one is temperature http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/char...ea=Au&model=CG

Next is humidity http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/char...ea=Au&model=CG

http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/char...ea=Au&model=CG is of wave period, so when combined with height will give you an idea of wave velocity...