What it is
The weather layer is an extra visual layer of the maritime map that shows a weather forecast on top of the familiar view of the sea area. It helps you see in advance where strong wind, high waves, or pressure changes are expected, and to judge the overall situation along a route.
Four parameters are available:
- Wind — direction and strength are shown as moving particles. The denser and faster the streaks, the stronger the wind.
- Wave height — a colour fill: calm water and large swell are shaded differently.
- Pressure — the atmospheric pressure field, which reveals cyclones (areas of low pressure) and anticyclones (high pressure).
- Temperature — air temperature near the surface.
Why it is useful
The layer gives a quick, visual overview of the weather across a large area. This is handy during planning: choosing a window with acceptable conditions, seeing where bad weather is heading, and comparing possible departure times.
How to turn it on and read it
- Open the layers panel on the maritime map.
- Enable the weather layer and choose the parameter you need (wind, waves, pressure, or temperature).
- Move the forecast time slider to see how conditions change hours and days ahead.
- Click any point on the map — a popup shows the numeric values for that location and moment in time.
Values are shown in marine units:
- wind speed — knots (nautical miles per hour) and the Beaufort scale (wind force from 0 to 12);
- wave height — metres;
- pressure — hPa (hectopascals);
- temperature — degrees Celsius.
Limitations
- This is a forecast, not fact. Real weather may differ from the model, especially in complex coastal and ice-affected areas.
- The forecast horizon is limited by weather models — roughly 10–15 days. The further ahead, the lower the accuracy: the final days are only indicative.
- The layer is for general situational awareness, not for navigation. It does not replace official weather bulletins, storm warnings, or onboard instruments. Base departure and passage decisions on official sources.