Many people need to know the wind speed and direction. Aircraft crews require the strength and direction, not only at ground level but the speed and direction through the atmosphere. The force of the wind is important for those on the sea, strong squally winds whip up the sea surface and can cause many problems.

The direction from which the wind blows is measured by a wind vane. Speed is measured with an instrument called an anemometer.

A wind vane is an instrument that indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing. A simple vane is like and arrow, sometimes other shapes, with a flat tail. The head of the vane points into the wind.

Wind speed is measured by an anemometer which consists of three arms which extends outward from the spindle, attached to these arms are three cups. As the wind blows the cups spins around, then this is calibrated in mph or knots even metres per second on a dial or chart. The highest wind gust including the mean speed will then be logged.

In weather forecasts, wind speed is usually reported in kilometres or miles per hour, for ships and aviation in knots. One knot is equal to 1.85 km/h (1.15 mph). The Beaufort Wind Scale gives wind speed as a force.

For best and accurate measurements the equipment should be well away from trees and buildings where gusting and eddies would create inaccurate readings. Wind measurement equipment should be placed on a 10 metre mast for ideal results.

Next Week......The Beaufort Wind Scale. The answer to last weeks question.....Heat Island.

This week's question:

How high should wind equipment be for best results:

A/ 20 metres.

B/ 10 metres.Glossary of Common Weather Terms:Gust: A rapid increase in strength of wind relative to the mean strength at the time.

Weather for period Monday 25th June-Friday 29th June:

Low pressure system early in the week followed by a rise in pressure later.

Monday will bring very heavy persistent rains with flooding in places. Gusty winds from the north bringing down some trees in places. 1-2 inches of rain expected.

Remainder of week brings sunshine, varied cloud and just scattering of showers. Good dry spells between.

Cool to start then warmer by Thursday and Friday.

Maximum day temperature 15-16c 59-61f but 20-21c 68-70f by Thursday and on Friday.

Minimum night temperature 10-13c 50-55f.

Last Week's Observations (Monday-Friday) Highest day temperature.......24.5c 77f on Tuesday 19th June.

Lowest night temperature......10.4c 50f on Monday 18th June.

Wettest day..........................14.0 mm.