How wind scores work
Understand how Tailwind turns forecast data into a simple score you can plan rides around.
Tailwind reads wind speed and direction from Open-Meteo, then compares that forecast to your route geometry. The result is a single score that answers a simple question: will the wind help or hurt on this ride?
What the score means
Higher scores mean more tailwind potential along your route. Lower scores suggest you'll be fighting headwinds for a meaningful share of the ride.
Scores update as forecasts refresh — typically hourly. Always treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
How we calculate it
We sample wind along your route at regular intervals, project each segment onto the wind vector, and aggregate the result into one number. A strong crosswind counts less than a direct head- or tailwind.
| Score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 80+ | Strong tailwind potential |
| 50–79 | Mixed — plan your direction |
| below 50 | Headwind likely |
Try it yourself
Open the map, pick a route, and compare scores at different departure times. Small shifts can make a big difference on a windy day.
