PredictWind Launches Global Rain Radar for Sailors

24th June 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Rain Ahead — PredictWind's new Global Rain Radar overlays live and forecast precipitation data on a worldwide map, helping sailors track approaching weather systems before departure Credit: PredictWind

PredictWind has launched new Global Rain Radar and Hybrid Satellite Imagery tools designed to give sailors a clearer picture of approaching weather systems worldwide. The Auckland-based marine weather forecasting company says the update combines imagery from five major weather satellite networks into a single global view, with rain radar overlaid to provide near real-time weather awareness.

Global View — PredictWind's Hybrid Satellite Imagery combines data from multiple satellite networks to provide detailed cloud cover and weather monitoring across the world's oceans. Image: PredictWind

The new features are designed to help sailors compare forecasts with current conditions before heading afloat and while underway. Among the additions is a Global Rain Radar service that allows users to track rainfall across oceans and coastal regions worldwide.

PredictWind says its new AI-powered rain forecasts update every 10 minutes, providing a frequently refreshed picture of developing weather patterns. The Hybrid Satellite Imagery feature offers detailed cloud cover information day and night, with imagery also refreshed every 10 minutes.

The update also integrates Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) alerts, enabling users to view official safety information alongside weather data.

Safety Layer — PredictWind's Global Rain Radar integrates GMDSS marine safety alerts, allowing users to view official warnings alongside developing weather systems. Image: PredictWind

“Global rain radar has been on our development roadmap for a long time,” said PredictWind founder Jon Bilger. "Rain is one of the hardest elements to forecast at sea – it moves fast and doesn't always follow the models. This update is our answer to that.” “We're proud to continue levelling up our features to give users the visibility they need to make confident, safe decisions on the water, with a clear view of what’s coming,” he added.

PredictWind says the new tools complement its existing routing, forecasting and safety services. Global Rain Radar and Hybrid Satellite Imagery are now available on the PredictWind website and app, with Hybrid Satellite Imagery also available on the Offshore app.

The features are available to users with Basic subscriptions and above.

Published in Marine Tech, Weather

Published in Marine Tech

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About Marine Technology

Marine technology, as defined by the European association WEGEMT, refers to the use of technology for ensuring the safe use, exploitation, protection of, and intervention in, the marine environment. This includes a wide range of technologies that support naval architecture, marine engineering, ship design, ship building, and ship operations.

In addition to these foundational technologies, marine technology also encompasses oil and gas exploration, exploitation, and production, hydrodynamics, navigation, sea surface and sub-surface support, underwater technology and engineering, marine resources (including both renewable and non-renewable marine resources), transport logistics and economics, inland, coastal, short sea and deep sea shipping, protection of the marine environment, and leisure and safety.

The importance of marine technology cannot be overstated. With over 70% of the earth's surface covered by water, the marine environment plays a critical role in our lives. From transportation to energy production, marine technology enables us to harness the immense potential of the oceans while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Moreover, the development of marine technology is crucial for the sustainable use of marine resources. As the demand for seafood and other marine products continues to grow, the sustainable management of these resources becomes increasingly important. Marine technology can help us to achieve this by providing innovative solutions for sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and other forms of marine resource management.

In Ireland, claims are made that the island country "has the potential to be the “Silicon Valley” of the aquatech world". Ireland is at a very exciting stage when it comes to aquatech. There are currently 62 aquatech companies operating here, all using technology to enable sustainable seafood farming at a time when the sector is facing many challenges.”

Ireland’s growing expertise in the developing aquatech sector means it has the potential to become a global leader in the field, with Irish aquatech companies turning over €200m last year.

Over €15m has been invested in aquatic businesses, and over 200 high-tech jobs have been created in the sector over the last six years.

In conclusion, marine technology is a vast and rapidly evolving field encompassing a broad range of technologies and applications. As we continue to explore and exploit the potential of the oceans, marine technology will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the safe and sustainable use of these resources.