Wind forecast Ballybofey today

Wind in Ballybofey right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Ballybofey

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 3 and 22 km/h (2 to 14 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 43 km/h (27 mph) at Mon 07:00. 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 Sat 10/10 with gusts to 49 km/h (30 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 26 km/h (16 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Ballybofey

Ballybofey (Bealach Féich) is situated inland in County Donegal. Wind conditions here are influenced by its distance from the coast, approximately 18 km. While the county experiences significant exposure, particularly along its Atlantic coastline, Ballybofey's inland location generally means wind speeds are somewhat moderated compared to coastal areas. County-level approximate mean 10 m wind speeds fall from 6.5-8.5 m/s on the coast to about 5-7 m/s a few kilometres inland. Gusts, which are short-term increases in wind speed, will typically exceed the mean wind speed. The prevailing winds across Ireland are from the west and southwest, and these directions are often associated with stronger winds and gusts due to Atlantic depressions.

Seasonal pattern

In County Donegal, the strongest and gustiest winds are typically observed from November to February. This period is when Atlantic depressions are most active and frequently track across Ireland. Conversely, the lightest winds generally occur from June to August. During these summer months, coastal areas of the county may experience a sea breeze effect, which can increase afternoon wind speeds near the coast. However, Ballybofey's inland location means this effect is less pronounced here. The overall pattern reflects the influence of the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland's weather systems throughout the year.

Exposure and shelter

Ballybofey's inland position, 18 km from the coast, provides some degree of shelter compared to the highly exposed coastline of County Donegal. While the county is known for its exposure, with hills such as Errigal and Slieve League elsewhere in the county, Ballybofey itself is not directly subject to the full force of Atlantic winds. Local terrain, including buildings and minor topographical features, can create further shelter or funnelling effects on a very localised scale. Wind speeds measured at 10 m are generally higher than those closer to the ground, and wind at 80 m or 120 m, relevant for wind energy, will be stronger still.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind information is valuable for several activities in Ballybofey and the surrounding area. For agriculture, wind forecasts are important for planning spraying operations and timing silage cuts, as strong winds can affect application and drying. The nearest wind farm, Tullynahaw Wind Farm, approximately 6 km away, relies on wind for energy generation. Building and roofing work requires an understanding of wind conditions for safety and material handling. For leisure activities like walking or those using GAA pitches, knowing the wind direction and strength can influence comfort and play. Wind chill is also a factor to consider, especially in colder, windier conditions.

Near Ballybofey

Ballybofey is in Co. Donegal, one of 19 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Donegal Airport EIDL (METAR) (45 km), Finner (45 km) and City of Derry Airport EGAE (METAR) (48 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Tullynahaw Wind Farm, about 6 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Ballybofey

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