Wind speed is a measure of how fast air is moving in the atmosphere. It’s an important parameter in meteorology and is used to understand and predict weather patterns, aviation conditions, and maritime navigation. Wind speed is typically measured using an anemometer and is expressed in various units, such as:
- Knots (kt): A knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, commonly used in aviation and maritime contexts.
- Miles per Hour (mph): This unit is often used in the United States to describe wind speed in terms of how many miles the wind travels in one hour.
- Kilometers per Hour (kph): Used internationally, it indicates how many kilometers the wind travels in one hour.
Why Wind Speed Matters
- Weather Forecasting: Wind speed and direction can indicate upcoming weather changes, such as storms or calm conditions.
- Aviation: Pilots rely on wind speed data for takeoff, landing, and in-flight navigation.
- Marine Navigation: Sailors use wind speed information to adjust sails and navigate safely.
- Wind Energy: Wind speed is crucial for generating electricity through wind turbines.
How Wind Speed is Measured
- Anemometer: The most common device, which has cups that spin faster as the wind blows harder. The rotation speed is used to calculate the wind speed.
- Wind Sock: A simple tool used at airports to give a visual indication of wind speed and direction.
Wind speed varies based on factors like geographic location, altitude, and weather systems, and understanding it helps in managing and predicting a wide range of activities.
| Knots (kt) | Miles per Hour (mph) | Kilometers per Hour (kph) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5.75 | 9.26 |
| 10 | 11.51 | 18.52 |
| 15 | 17.26 | 27.78 |
| 20 | 23.02 | 37.04 |
| 25 | 28.77 | 46.30 |
| 30 | 34.53 | 55.56 |
| 35 | 40.28 | 64.82 |
| 40 | 46.04 | 74.08 |
| 45 | 51.79 | 83.34 |
| 50 | 57.55 | 92.60 |
| 55 | 63.30 | 101.86 |
| 60 | 69.06 | 111.12 |
| 65 | 74.81 | 120.38 |
| 70 | 80.57 | 129.64 |
| 75 | 86.32 | 138.90 |
| 80 | 92.08 | 148.16 |
| 85 | 97.83 | 157.42 |
| 90 | 103.59 | 166.68 |
| 95 | 109.34 | 175.94 |
| 100 | 115.10 | 185.20 |
| Wind Speed | Knots | Miles per Hour (mph) | Kilometers per Hour (kph) | Beaufort Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calm | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0 |
| Light Air | 1-3 | 1-3 | 1-5 | 1 |
| Light Breeze | 4-6 | 4-7 | 6-11 | 2 |
| Gentle Breeze | 7-10 | 8-12 | 12-19 | 3 |
| Moderate Breeze | 11-16 | 13-18 | 20-28 | 4 |
| Fresh Breeze | 17-21 | 19-24 | 29-38 | 5 |
| Strong Breeze | 22-27 | 25-31 | 39-49 | 6 |
| Near Gale | 28-33 | 32-38 | 50-61 | 7 |
| Gale | 34-40 | 39-46 | 62-74 | 8 |
| Strong Gale | 41-47 | 47-54 | 75-88 | 9 |
| Storm | 48-55 | 55-63 | 89-102 | 10 |
| Violent Storm | 56-63 | 64-72 | 103-117 | 11 |
| Hurricane | 64+ | 73+ | 118+ | 12 |
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Hi I am Marcus, MM0ZIF, a licenced Radio Amateur, Doctor of Musicology, amateur weather enthusiast. I over the years have been a Amateur Radio Tutor, Examiner, and a Regional Manager for the Radio Society of Great Britain.
This site is dedicated more towards Amateur Radio and Weather, with an angle on Technology too. I also maintain https://havenswell.com/ which is my other blog which is more aimed at cooking, hobbies and life in general as well as businness and networking.
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