Wind at 400 ft: What the 80 m Forecast Shows
By VectorWX. Sources reviewed .
VectorWX shows model wind at 80 m / about 262 ft AGL. It does not measure or forecast wind at exactly 400 ft on this layer.
Surface Wind and Wind Aloft
Wind can change with height. Trees, buildings and terrain can shelter the launch site while the aircraft meets stronger flow above it. The direction can change too. A calm reading where you stand does not establish calm conditions along the route.
The surface wind and 80 m wind are different model fields. Compare them at the same valid time. The surface gust field is not a measurement of gusts at 80 m. The altitude value is sustained model wind at that height. It cannot describe each gust or the wake behind a building.
Live Examples from the Existing Feed
These city-center examples use the same feed as the drone hub. Values are in knots. Each row retains its source times. Search for another published metro to inspect its free current summary.
| Location | Surface wind | 80 m wind | Surface gust | Valid / fetched (UTC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 12.4 kt | 22.1 kt | 20.4 kt | / |
| New York, NY | 1.7 kt | 4.7 kt | 2.4 kt | / |
| Dallas, TX | 4.1 kt | 10.0 kt | 9.9 kt | / |
Why This Is Not a 400 ft Wind Measurement
The model height is 80 m above ground. A 400 ft flight is above that height. A model level near 120 m would be a different input; VectorWX does not supply that level on this layer. This page does not extrapolate a wind value between heights. Use the published level as context for planning and check local conditions.
Source: NOAA HRRR via the existing VectorWX grids feed. The model is a forecast, not a sensor on the aircraft. Read the valid time before comparing it with a METAR or a handheld reading. See the Part 107 guide for the separate operating requirements.
Check the Return Path
Compare wind direction and speed with the planned route. Check aircraft instructions and battery limits before launch. Consider open areas, terrain and the landing site. Reassess if observations differ from the forecast. Use the preflight checklist to record the result.
Drone Weather Guides
- Part 107 Weather Requirements
- Part 108 BVLOS Tracker
- Free Preflight Weather Checklist
- Kp Index for Drone Pilots
- Wind at 400 ft: The 80 m Forecast
- Drone Model Wind Limits
- UAV Forecast Comparison
Drone Weather Questions
Planning aid only. Check conditions at the flight site and use an official briefing. A weather page does not grant flight or airspace approval.