Wind forecast Balbriggan today

Wind in Balbriggan right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Balbriggan

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 12 and 26 km/h (7 to 16 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 47 km/h (29 mph) at Mon 11:00. Speeds are in km/h with miles per hour underneath. Direction is where the wind comes from.

Seven-day gust outlook

The windiest day of the week is Fri 9/10 with gusts to 50 km/h (31 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 28 km/h (17 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Balbriggan

Balbriggan, or Baile Brigín, is a coastal town in County Dublin, situated approximately 1 km from the coast. As with much of Ireland, the prevailing winds are from the west, driven by Atlantic depressions. However, its east coast location means it is partly sheltered from these strong westerly gales, particularly during winter. The town experiences a significant influence from sea breezes, which are a distinctive feature of the Irish Sea. These can develop on summer afternoons, potentially increasing wind speeds by 2-4 m/s near the coast and shifting the wind direction onshore. Gusts, which are short, sharp increases in wind speed, will typically exceed the mean wind speed and are important for assessing wind loading and sudden changes in conditions.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Balbriggan reflects the broader climate of County Dublin. Winter typically brings the strongest winds, often associated with westerly gales, though the east coast provides some shelter. Spring is characterised by potential easterly winds, a common pattern over the Irish Sea. Summer afternoons frequently see the development of sea breezes, which can add to the wind speed near the coast and alter the wind direction to an onshore flow. Autumn transitions back towards stronger Atlantic-influenced westerly winds. This seasonal variation means that wind conditions can differ significantly throughout the year, impacting activities both on land and at sea.

Exposure and shelter

Balbriggan's coastal location means it is generally more exposed to wind than inland areas. Being 1 km from the coast, it is directly influenced by coastal wind dynamics. However, as part of County Dublin, it benefits from some shelter from the dominant Atlantic westerly winds due to its position on the east coast. The county's wind climate notes that it is sheltered from Atlantic wind but strongly sea-breeze influenced. Local terrain and urban structures within Balbriggan will create areas of both shelter and funnelling. Buildings can provide shelter in their lee, while gaps between structures can accelerate wind speeds. Exposure to easterly winds, particularly those associated with sea breezes or Irish Sea weather patterns, can be pronounced.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Understanding wind conditions is important for various activities in Balbriggan. For coastal residents and those using Balbriggan Harbour, wind forecasts are crucial for marine safety and planning. The construction sector, a key part of the county's economy, relies on wind data for crane operations, building and roofing work, and ensuring site safety. Farmers in the surrounding areas use wind information for tasks such as spraying and timing silage. The tourism sector benefits from accurate wind data for visitors engaging in outdoor activities. Local sports, such as those played on GAA pitches, are also affected by wind strength and direction, impacting play and spectator comfort. Wind chill is also a factor to consider for anyone outdoors.

Near Balbriggan

Balbriggan is in Co. Dublin, one of 28 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Dublin Airport (20 km), Dublin Airport EIDW (METAR) (22 km) and Phoenix Park (30 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Mountlucas Wind Farm, about 79 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Balbriggan

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Set your own limit and watch the odds at the live instrument for Balbriggan, or read how the numbers above are made.