Wind forecast Ballykelly today

Wind in Ballykelly right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Ballykelly

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 7 and 26 km/h (4 to 16 mph), mostly from the WSW. The strongest gust is 48 km/h (30 mph) at Mon 08:00. 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 49 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 Ballykelly

Ballykelly, situated in County Londonderry, experiences a wind climate influenced by its coastal proximity. Being approximately 2 km from the coast, the town is subject to maritime airflows. Wind speeds typically vary, with gusts often exceeding the mean wind speed, a common characteristic across Ireland. The county's dominant wind direction is from the southwest. Strongest winds are generally associated with winter southwesterlies and north-westerlies, which are part of the broader Atlantic weather patterns affecting Ireland. The Wind Agent provides current wind speeds, a 48-hour table, and 7-day gust forecasts, offering a detailed view of these conditions at 10 m, 80 m, and 120 m heights.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Ballykelly largely mirrors the general Irish climate, with stronger winds typically observed during the autumn and winter months. These seasons are characterised by more frequent and intense Atlantic depressions. Conversely, spring and summer tend to bring lighter winds. During summer afternoons, a sea breeze effect can sometimes be observed along the coast, potentially influencing local wind conditions, although this is generally a lighter phenomenon than synoptic winds. The county's coastal mean wind speed is roughly 5.5-7.5 m/s, with inland areas experiencing around 4-5.5 m/s, providing a general context for Ballykelly's wind environment.

Exposure and shelter

Ballykelly's coastal location means it is generally more exposed to wind than many inland areas. Its position within County Londonderry, which features a north-facing coast, suggests potential exposure to northwesterly winds. While the town is 2 km from the coast, local topography can create variations in wind exposure and shelter. Areas in the lee of buildings or minor undulations may experience reduced wind speeds. Conversely, open areas or locations with a clear fetch to the sea will likely feel the full force of the wind. The Foyle estuary, nearby, is noted for remaining gusty, indicating a localised area of higher wind activity that could influence Ballykelly depending on wind direction.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind information is valuable for several activities in and around Ballykelly. For the agri-food sector, wind forecasts are critical for planning spraying operations and timing silage cuts to avoid drift and ensure optimal conditions. Building and roofing work requires wind data for safety and material handling. For farming, understanding wind patterns helps manage livestock and protect crops. Coastal activities, if undertaken, benefit from knowing wind speeds and directions for safety and planning. The nearby City of Derry Airport (EGAE) relies heavily on precise wind data for flight operations, and local walking groups may use forecasts to prepare for wind chill, especially in exposed areas.

Near Ballykelly

Ballykelly is in Co. Derry / Londonderry, one of 18 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are City of Derry Airport EGAE (METAR) (9 km), Malin Head (42 km) and Belfast International Airport EGAA (METAR) (67 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Altahullion Wind Farm, about 15 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Ballykelly

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