Exposed terrain
A ridge walk with storms in the forecast
Would an earlier start leave more time before the storm window?
Compare thunderstorm and lightning timing with the hours you expect to spend above the trees.
An app idea Coming if enough hikers want it
A forecast for
the whole hike.
The weather at the car park is only the beginning. HikingWeather would help you think through the climb, the exposed ridge, and the way back.
Thunderstorm and lightning timing on exposed ridges. Wind on summits. Temperature by elevation. Sunset and turnaround time. Snow and ice. Heat on climbs. Air quality. All in a forecast made for hikers.
This is coming if the demand is there. There is no live app or forecast here yet.
The questions it could help with
Different miles.
Different weather.
Five everyday hiking scenarios to explain the idea. These are examples of what we hope to build, not forecasts or advice for a particular hike.
Elevation gain
A warm trailhead, a cold and windy summit
What could the top feel like when you reach it?
See temperature by elevation and summit wind together, instead of packing from the town forecast alone.
Daylight
A long loop with a late start
How much daylight would be left for the way down?
Put sunset beside your estimated hike time and a turnaround time you choose, with room for breaks and delays.
Season changes
A spring hike that climbs into lingering snow
What should you check before committing to the upper trail?
Bring snow and ice concerns into the plan, with a reminder to check local trail reports. A forecast cannot tell you whether a crossing is passable.
Heat and air
A hot climb during a smoky week
Would a different start time or route fit the conditions better?
Look at heat on the climb and air quality alongside the rest of the day, rather than just the chance of rain.
A few honest answers
Before you join.
It is early. Here is what is decided, and what is still an idea.
Can I use HikingWeather today?
No. This is an idea and a waitlist, not a working app or a live hiking forecast. I am checking demand before building it.
What would it help me plan?
The aim is to bring ridge storms and lightning timing, summit wind, temperature by elevation, daylight and turnaround time, snow and ice, climbing heat, and air quality into one view. These are proposed features, and the details still need research and testing.
What happens when I join?
You register interest through the existing RunWeather waitlist. Its automatic confirmation email is branded RunWeather. If HikingWeather is built, the plan is to email this list at launch and offer early access where possible. Joining does not guarantee a place or a launch date.
What would make you build it?
The demand test is 200 new, unique signups for HikingWeather within six weeks. If we reach that, I will build it. There is no finished app, release date, or price to announce yet.
Would it tell me a hike is safe?
No app can guarantee that. Forecasts have uncertainty, especially in mountain terrain, and they cannot confirm trail or snow conditions. The idea is to help you notice weather concerns and plan what to check, alongside official forecasts, local reports, and your own judgment.
Who is behind this?
I am Iustin, the maker of RunWeather, a weather app for runners. HikingWeather would be a separate app focused on hiking decisions. I want to find out whether it would be useful before spending months building it.
Would this help with your next hike?