Animated global wind map and forecast

A free animated wind map that shows the wind streaming across the whole planet. Thousands of particles trace the wind field from the global GFS weather model, coloured by speed, so you can see the trade winds, the jet stream and storms at a glance. Step the forecast forward over the next three days, switch the speed between m/s, km/h, knots and Beaufort, and tap anywhere — or use your location — for the exact wind there. The data is decoded on our own servers, so it loads reliably everywhere.

How to use the wind map

1
Watch the flow

The moving streaks are the wind. Their colour shows speed — blue and green are calm, orange and red are strong winds and storms.

2
Tap a spot

Click anywhere for the wind speed in m/s, the compass direction it blows from, and the Beaufort force at that point.

3
Check near you

Press “Near me” to centre the map on your location and read the wind there.

4
Find the jet stream

Zoom out and look for the fast bands of wind sweeping west-to-east across the mid-latitudes — that is the jet stream.

Watch the wind flow across the world and check it near you

…
Tap the map to read the wind
Wind speed m/s
calmstorm
Loading wind…

Data: the GFS model (NOAA), decoded from GRIB2 on our servers. A forecast model refreshed four times a day — not instantaneous measurements. Map © OpenStreetMap & CARTO.

What makes it special

A global, animated wind field — thousands of moving particles coloured by wind speed
A forecast you can step through — the wind now and over the next three days
Tap any point for the wind speed, the direction it blows from, and the Beaufort force
Switch units freely — metres per second, km/h, knots or the Beaufort scale
A “near me” button, plus full GFS global coverage — including all of Russia
Honest about the source — a forecast model refreshed four times a day, decoded on our own servers

Frequently asked questions

Where does the wind data come from?

From the GFS (Global Forecast System), NOAA’s global weather model. We take the 10-metre wind from the latest model run, decode it from its GRIB2 format on our own servers, and stream it to the map. The data is in the public domain.

Is this the live, measured wind?

Not exactly. It is a forecast model, not a network of sensors. GFS runs four times a day and we show its most recent analysis, so it is an excellent picture of the large-scale wind — but the actual gust outside your window can differ, especially in cities, valleys and along coasts.

What does the direction mean?

Wind direction is given as the direction the wind blows FROM, the way meteorologists state it — a “west wind” comes from the west. The popup shows both the compass point and the exact bearing in degrees.

What is the Beaufort scale?

The Beaufort scale rates wind from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane force) by its effect — for example, force 4 is a moderate breeze that raises dust, and force 8 is a gale that breaks twigs off trees. The popup shows the Beaufort number for the wind speed at your point.

Does it cover Russia?

Yes. GFS is a global model, so the wind field is just as complete over Russia as anywhere — from the Baltic to Kamchatka — which is exactly where station-based maps tend to be sparse.

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Who is this tool for?
🎓 Students 📚 Educators & Teachers
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