Primary weather input
Daily and hourly forecast data comes from Open-Meteo. The app also looks at the 4am to 2pm hike window so rain signals better reflect a typical morning hike, not just the whole calendar day.
Methodology
How Tara Akyat evaluates a hike day
The app uses mountain coordinates with forecast and archive weather data to estimate whether a target day looks generally good, cautionary, or not recommended for hiking.
These results are planning support, not official safety clearance. Local advisories, on-the-ground guide calls, and your own preparation still matter more than any weather tool.
Secondary cross-check
If a Visual Crossing API key is configured, the app compares the short-range result against a second provider for the next 7 days.
Forecast windows and reliability
Days 1 to 7
This is the most useful range for go or no-go hiking decisions.
Days 8 to 15
Still uses day-level forecast data, but confidence drops and should be treated more cautiously.
Beyond 15 days
The app shifts to planning outlook and historical month/date context, with the strongest long-range planning cap at 30 days.
Scoring signals
Recommendation levels are based on severe weather flags, rain probability, expected rainfall, exposed-ridge wind, and heat stress signals. A calm day can still become risky if local trail conditions, closures, lightning risk, or water crossings change fast.
What the app measures well
Rain timing, broad weather stability, exposed wind risk, and how forecast confidence changes as the target date moves farther out.
What still needs human judgment
River crossings, trail closures, slope condition, permits, guide requirements, and whether your group is equipped for the actual route.