Understanding Wind
A practical explanation of wind speed, direction and gusts and their effect on everyday conditions.
Wind speed
Wind speed describes how quickly air is moving. Stronger winds can affect walking, cycling, driving, outdoor equipment and the rate at which heat is lost from the body. Always check whether a service uses km/h, m/s, mph or knots.
Wind direction
Meteorological wind direction normally describes where the wind comes from. A north wind therefore comes from the north. Direction can help explain changes in temperature and moisture because air arriving from a sea, desert or mountain region can have different properties.
Sustained wind versus gusts
A sustained wind is an average or smoothed value, while a gust is a short-lived increase. Two locations can have the same sustained wind but very different gust behavior. Sudden gusts may matter most for outdoor activities and travel.
Why wind changes
Pressure patterns, daytime heating, terrain and buildings all influence airflow. Coastal areas can experience local sea and land breezes, while valleys and mountains can channel air. These effects explain some local differences from a broad city forecast.
Practical use
Combine wind with temperature and precipitation. Strong wind can make cool weather feel colder and can make hot weather feel different depending on humidity. For hazardous winds, follow official local warnings.
Worked example: converting before comparing
Suppose one forecast lists wind at 5 m/s and another lists 18 km/h. They agree: multiply metres per second by 3.6 to obtain kilometres per hour. A hypothetical gust of 10 m/s equals 36 km/h. Comparing 5 with 18 without their units would create a false disagreement.
Now imagine an eastbound bicycle trip under a west wind. The air comes from the west, so it generally follows that trip. On the return journey it becomes a headwind. A north wind would act mainly across this route. Buildings and bends can alter that simple picture locally.
Does the wind tile show the strongest gust?
No. A wind-speed value and a gust maximum describe different things. Do not assume the displayed wind speed is the highest speed that could occur. When gusts matter, check a forecast that explicitly supplies them and its averaging period. Our dashboard values are model estimates rather than an on-site anemometer report.
Why is an exposed bridge windier than my street?
Shelter and exposure differ. Trees and buildings can slow or redirect air, while gaps can channel it. A forecast for a location cannot resolve every sheltered corner or bridge deck. The Met Office guide to measuring wind explains standard exposure and wind-direction conventions.
Related reading
Learn how pressure patterns and thunderstorm outflows relate to changing winds.
Editorial note: Weather information varies by location, observation source and update time. This article is for general education and everyday planning. For severe weather or safety-critical decisions, follow the relevant official meteorological and emergency authorities.