Wind forecast Claregalway today

Wind in Claregalway right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Claregalway

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 5 and 26 km/h (3 to 16 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 48 km/h (30 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 57 km/h (35 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 22 km/h (14 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Claregalway

Claregalway, known in Irish as Baile Chláir, is situated in County Galway, approximately 8 km inland. The prevailing wind direction across County Galway is from the southwest, a pattern that influences Claregalway. While inland locations generally experience less wind than coastal areas, the Atlantic depressions that affect Ireland bring stronger winds to the entire county, particularly from November to February. Wind speeds measured at 10 metres above ground are typically lower inland compared to the coast, with approximate county-level averages suggesting 5-7 m/s a few kilometres inland. Gusts, which are short, sudden increases in wind speed, will always exceed the mean wind speed and can be significantly higher, particularly during strong weather systems. These gusts are important for their impact on structures and activities.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Claregalway follows the broader trend for County Galway. The strongest and gustiest conditions are typically observed from November to February, coinciding with the passage of Atlantic depressions. During these months, the frequency and intensity of strong winds are at their peak. Conversely, the period from June to August generally experiences the lightest winds. While Claregalway is inland, coastal areas elsewhere in the county may experience a sea breeze effect during summer afternoons, which can temporarily increase wind speeds near the coast. However, this effect is less pronounced or absent inland. Throughout the year, wind chill can make ambient temperatures feel colder, especially during periods of stronger wind.

Exposure and shelter

Claregalway's inland location, approximately 8 km from the coast, means it benefits from some shelter compared to the exposed Atlantic coastline of County Galway. The general terrain around the town will influence local wind patterns. Buildings and other structures can provide shelter immediately downwind, creating areas of reduced wind speed. Conversely, wind can be funnelled between structures, leading to localised increases in speed. While the county experiences exposure from its Atlantic coastline, Claregalway itself is not directly exposed to oceanic winds. The presence of hills elsewhere in the county, such as the Twelve Bens, can create complex wind patterns, but these are distant from Claregalway. The wind experienced in Claregalway is primarily influenced by regional weather systems, with local topography and built environment modifying the flow.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Understanding wind conditions is relevant for several sectors in and around Claregalway. For farming, particularly for activities such as spraying or silage timing, accurate wind information is crucial to ensure efficacy and minimise drift. Building and roofing work requires knowledge of wind speeds and gusts for operational planning and safety. The nearby Galway Racecourse Ballybrit, approximately 6 km away, and Galway Bay Golf Resort, around 9 km away, would consider wind for event planning and player experience. For general walking and outdoor activities, wind forecasts are important for comfort and planning. The wind energy sector, which is active elsewhere in County Galway, relies on precise wind data for assessing resource potential and operational efficiency, although this is more relevant at a county level.

Near Claregalway

Claregalway is in Co. Galway, one of 14 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Athenry (12 km), Claremorris (41 km) and Mace Head (63 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Cloosh Valley Wind Farm, about 29 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Claregalway

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