UkPigeonRacing

What weather sites do members use, to get information for the coming weekend for racing? taking into account wind direction, temps and conditions.

I like the Weatherzone site. It's an Australian site which we have found has a very high degree of accuracy in it's short to medium range forecasts. This is a very important range for pigeon racing.
We have pretty much given up on the government run Bureau of Meteorology. Being funded and instructed by the government it persists in predicting hotter dryer weather, when for the last 15 years or so we have had steadily cooler and wetter weather and later seasons.
I am pleased that some, even many clubs and Feds down here are feeling the pain, probably mainly in their pockets, and race programs are being pushed back up to a month and altered to suit the weather.
As a mate of mine said a day or two ago. Climate Change is okay when you aren't the one going broke.

Pigeonraceanalyzer app is really good way more than just weather but the wind trail feature is awesome and very accurate

I think looking at the upcoming weather is fine if you want a 'rough' guide to either send or not.
BUT weather can be very localized. It's not always what is forecast.
Back in the 70s & 80s there was a thing called Holdovers. Something that is alien to many racing today. You sent Friday and raced Sat.
Fanciers today are paranoid about the weather, if it's not forecast perfect they don't send.
One thing that hasn't changed from the 70s & 80s is once you have sent, all the fancy weather sites & apps mean nothing. It's out of you hands.

Rdhd Danny wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2026 3:39 pm Pigeonraceanalyzer app is really good way more than just weather but the wind trail feature is awesome and very accurate

I'll have a look at this one Danny never heard of it mate

king wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2026 3:56 pm I think looking at the upcoming weather is fine if you want a 'rough' guide to either send or not.
BUT weather can be very localized. It's not always what is forecast.
Back in the 70s & 80s there was a thing called Holdovers. Something that is alien to many racing today. You sent Friday and raced Sat.
Fanciers today are paranoid about the weather, if it's not forecast perfect they don't send.
One thing that hasn't changed from the 70s & 80s is once you have sent, all the fancy weather sites & apps mean nothing. It's out of you hands.

That's true King, once the birds have been Libbed not much anyone can do only wait to see if your birds get back

It's really good mate best on desktop but really helps at all levels

king wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2026 3:56 pm I think looking at the upcoming weather is fine if you want a 'rough' guide to either send or not.
BUT weather can be very localized. It's not always what is forecast.
Back in the 70s & 80s there was a thing called Holdovers. Something that is alien to many racing today. You sent Friday and raced Sat.
Fanciers today are paranoid about the weather, if it's not forecast perfect they don't send.
One thing that hasn't changed from the 70s & 80s is once you have sent, all the fancy weather sites & apps mean nothing. It's out of you hands.

I agree King. Very true. Yes we used to get holdovers and sometimes the birds were released in dodgy circumstances but generally returns were good. Fanciers very much underestimate their birds, or are worried about losing them. A top fancier once said to me that the only way to sort the good from the bad is to try to lose them. The best will still be there.

Andy wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2026 8:49 pm

king wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2026 3:56 pm I think looking at the upcoming weather is fine if you want a 'rough' guide to either send or not.
BUT weather can be very localized. It's not always what is forecast.
Back in the 70s & 80s there was a thing called Holdovers. Something that is alien to many racing today. You sent Friday and raced Sat.
Fanciers today are paranoid about the weather, if it's not forecast perfect they don't send.
One thing that hasn't changed from the 70s & 80s is once you have sent, all the fancy weather sites & apps mean nothing. It's out of you hands.

I agree King. Very true. Yes we used to get holdovers and sometimes the birds were released in dodgy circumstances but generally returns were good. Fanciers very much underestimate their birds, or are worried about losing them. A top fancier once said to me that the only way to sort the good from the bad is to try to lose them. The best will still be there.

Having said that we are postponing until Sunday. That is partly due to the fires in the New Forest though and wanting to get an early lib.