Wind forecast Ballina today

Wind in Ballina right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Ballina

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 4 and 22 km/h (2 to 14 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 44 km/h (27 mph) at Sun 17:00. 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 48 km/h (30 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 27 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 Ballina

Ballina, or Béal An Átha, is situated in County Mayo, approximately 4 km from the coast. The prevailing winds across Ireland are from the westerly quarter, and this holds true for Ballina. Wind speeds are generally higher at 10 metres above ground level than at lower heights, and higher still at 80 metres or 120 metres. Gusts, which are short-term increases in wind speed, will always exceed the mean wind speed. County Mayo experiences significant wind exposure due to its Atlantic coastline. While Ballina is somewhat inland, it is still influenced by these broader patterns. Coastal mean 10 m wind in the county is roughly 6.5-8.5 m/s, falling to about 5-7 m/s a few kilometres inland, which provides an approximate indication for Ballina.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Ballina generally follows the broader trends for County Mayo. The strongest and gustiest conditions are typically observed from November to February, driven by Atlantic depressions. Conversely, the lightest winds usually occur from June to August. During summer afternoons, a sea breeze can develop along the coast, which may influence Ballina despite its slight inland location. Coastal observing stations and offshore buoys in the county often register changes in wind conditions several hours before inland locations, serving as an early indicator of approaching weather fronts. This pattern reflects the Atlantic influence on the region's climate.

Exposure and shelter

As a coastal town, Ballina's exposure to wind is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic. While 4 km inland, it is still subject to the general wind patterns affecting County Mayo. The county is known for its exposure, with some of the most exposed coast in Europe. Local topography, such as buildings and terrain, can create both shelter and funnelling effects, altering the wind experienced at ground level. Shelter can be found on the lee side of obstructions, while wind can be accelerated through gaps or over elevated features. The specific exposure within Ballina will vary depending on the immediate surroundings and the wind direction.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Wind forecasts are relevant to several activities in and around Ballina. For the agriculture sector, wind speed and direction are important for timing spraying, silage, and other field operations. Building and roofing work requires awareness of wind conditions for safety and material handling. Tourism, a key sector in County Mayo, benefits from wind information for outdoor activities. Enniscrone Golf Club, approximately 11 km away, and Enniscrone for surfing, about 12 km away, are examples of nearby spots where wind is a direct factor. For those involved in sea uses, such as fishing or boating, accurate wind data is critical. Wind energy is also a sector in the county, with Bellacorick Wind Farm approximately 40 km away, indicating the regional importance of wind resources.

Near Ballina

Ballina is in Co. Mayo, one of 13 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Knock Airport (32 km), Ireland West Airport Knock EIKN (METAR) (32 km) and Newport (34 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Bellacorick Wind Farm, about 40 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Ballina

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