Gfs Charts
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 20 June 2026 by the British News Desk weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
GFS charts are computer-generated weather maps from the Global Forecast System (GFS), a model run by the US National Weather Service. They show predicted pressure, temperature, wind and precipitation up to 16 days ahead, used by meteorologists and enthusiasts to spot developing weather patterns.
What does a GFS chart display?
A typical GFS chart maps surface pressure isobars, fronts and often colour-coded precipitation or temperature. Upper-air charts (e.g., 500hPa) show steering winds and troughs that drive UK weather systems. The model divides the globe into a grid with roughly 13 km spacing, updated four times daily at 00, 06, 12 and 18 UTC. For Britain, gfs charts uk and gfs charts europe are the most frequently viewed, as they capture Atlantic depressions that affect the British Isles.
How reliable are GFS charts for the UK?
GFS is a medium-range model, useful for spotting trends 3–7 days ahead, but its accuracy drops beyond day 8. For shorter lead times, the Met Office’s own UKV model often outperforms GFS. Many forecasters compare gfs ensembles — multiple runs with slight input variations — to gauge confidence. When ensembles show tight clustering, the forecast is more certain; wide spread suggests low confidence. Cross-referencing with netweather gfs outputs or ecmwf charts (the European model) is common practice among UK weather watchers.
Where can I view GFS charts for free?
Several independent weather sites show GFS charts, including Netweather and Weather.us. The US National Weather Service also provides raw data. Always compare with the UK weather hub for official warnings.
What is the difference between GFS and ECMWF charts?
ECMWF (the European model) uses higher resolution and is often considered more accurate for medium-range forecasting. GFS is updated more frequently and remains a valuable tool for trend-spotting, especially when used alongside 10‑day forecasts.
How do I read GFS ensemble charts?
Ensemble charts plot many forecasts on one graph. A tight cluster of lines means high confidence; a fanning-out indicates uncertainty. Look for the median line to get the most likely outcome, and check the spread for low‑probability extremes.
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