Wind forecast Buncrana today

Wind in Buncrana right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Buncrana

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 1 and 23 km/h (1 to 14 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 45 km/h (28 mph) at Mon 06:00. 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 52 km/h (32 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 31 km/h (19 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Buncrana

Buncrana, or Bun Cranncha, is a coastal town in County Donegal. Wind patterns here are influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic. As with much of Ireland, prevailing winds are from the westerly quarter. Gusts will typically exceed the mean wind speed, particularly during periods of stronger winds. The county's coastal mean 10 m wind is approximately 6.5-8.5 m/s, with speeds generally decreasing a few kilometres inland. Wind speeds at higher elevations, such as 80 m or 120 m, will be greater than those at 10 m. Strongest winds typically occur from November to February due to Atlantic depressions. The nearest observing stations are City of Derry Airport and Malin Head, which can provide an indication of regional wind conditions.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Buncrana largely mirrors that of County Donegal. The strongest and gustiest conditions are generally experienced from November to February, driven by Atlantic depressions. During this period, wind speeds are at their highest. Conversely, the lightest winds typically occur from June to August. However, during these summer months, sea breezes can develop on the coast in the afternoons, leading to a temporary increase in wind speed. Coastal stations and offshore buoys in the region can provide an early indication of approaching weather fronts, often several hours before they reach inland areas of the county.

Exposure and shelter

Buncrana is a coastal town, located approximately 1 km from the coast, which contributes to its exposure to wind. The degree of exposure will depend on the immediate topography and the direction of the wind. Shelter can be found in the lee of buildings or local terrain features. While the county as a whole is known for its high exposure, particularly on headlands, local variations are significant. Wind speeds will generally be lower in more built-up areas or directly behind elevated ground. The county's dominant wind direction is from the southwest, meaning areas sheltered from this direction may experience reduced wind. Higher ground, if present, can also channel or funnel wind.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Understanding wind conditions in Buncrana is relevant for several local activities. For those involved in agriculture, wind forecasts are important for timing spraying and silage operations. The fishing industry, prominent in County Donegal, relies on accurate wind data for planning sea journeys and operations. Tourism, including surf and golf tourism, also benefits from wind information, affecting conditions for water sports and playability on golf courses such as Portsalon Golf Club. Building and roofing work requires wind awareness for operational planning and worker comfort. For general outdoor activities like walking, knowing the wind can help anticipate wind chill and overall comfort.

Near Buncrana

Buncrana is in Co. Donegal, one of 19 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are City of Derry Airport EGAE (METAR) (21 km), Malin Head (27 km) and Donegal Airport EIDL (METAR) (58 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Slieve Kirk Wind Farm, about 23 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Buncrana

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