Choose a wind alarm by what triggers it and where its data comes from. A forecast alert can help you plan for tomorrow. A station-based alarm can help you notice a change in measured wind. The best fit depends on which of those jobs you need done.
WindUp provides a free live wind alarm for supported stations. Other providers also offer alert features, so compare the actual settings instead of assuming every alert works the same way.
Questions to ask before downloading
| Check | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Trigger | Forecast or measured wind? |
| Coverage | Is there suitable data for your spot? |
| Conditions | Can you select the wind range and direction you need? |
| Timing | How frequently does the source update? |
| Delivery | What happens when the phone is locked or in Focus? |
| Price | Is the alert included, or does it need a paid plan? |
An app can be free to download while charging for a feature. Equally, a paid forecast subscription may include features you do not need for a local station alarm.
Check the station before the alert
Distance is only part of coverage. A station behind a building or on higher ground may not describe your launch. Look at the sensor’s exposure and the reading’s age, then compare it with conditions you observe locally.
A live reading can be delayed or unrepresentative. The alarm should prompt you to check conditions, not replace that check. The local forecast guide explains how to compare observations and predictions consistently.
Compare forecast notifications with station alarms
Windy.com documents forecast alerts in its feature guide. When evaluating another provider, read its current alert description and plan requirements. Avoid inferring the trigger from the word “live” in a headline.
If you already use an alert that works for your spot, there is no need to switch solely because another app exists. If your unmet need is a station alarm, check WindUp’s coverage and settings.
Set up a WindUp alarm
- Download WindUp for iPhone or Android.
- Choose a supported station representative of your spot.
- Set the wind conditions you want an alert for.
- Review notification permissions, including Critical Alerts on iPhone if you want sound through Silent or Focus.
- When an alarm arrives, check the reading’s timestamp and conditions at the spot.
The live wind alarm is free; optional Pro features are offered separately. Notification delivery also depends on your connection and device settings.
For forecast choices, compare free wind apps. For riding-specific setup, see wind apps for kitesurfing.
