Southwest

Southwest is an intercardinal compass direction halfway between South and West, on a bearing of 225° true or magnetic depending on the reference used. In marine forecasts, a southwest wind normally means wind blowing from the southwest towards the northeast; steering southwest means making course towards 225°.

For boaters, southwest is important for interpreting forecasts, plotting courses, choosing anchorages, and anticipating sea conditions. Always distinguish the direction you are travelling from where the wind is coming from, using your Compass and forecast Wind Direction. A fresh southwest breeze may favour one tack, create lee shores, or combine with tide to produce rougher water.

In PredictWind, southwest can appear in wind arrows, route summaries, GRIB data, and model comparisons. Weather Routing and Departure Planning help assess whether a southwest flow gives a favourable angle, requires motoring, or suggests waiting for a safer window.