Wind forecast Clifden today

Wind in Clifden right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Clifden

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 8 and 26 km/h (5 to 16 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 48 km/h (30 mph) at Sun 14:00. 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 66 km/h (41 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 32 km/h (20 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Clifden

Clifden, or An Clochán, is located in County Galway, a region with an Atlantic coastline. The county experiences mean 10 m wind speeds typically ranging from 6.5 to 8.5 m/s along the coast, reducing to approximately 5 to 7 m/s a few kilometres inland. Wind speeds are generally higher at greater heights, such as 80 m or 120 m, due to reduced surface friction. Gusts, which are short, sudden increases in wind speed, will exceed the mean wind speed. The prevailing wind direction across County Galway is from the south-west, influenced by the Atlantic depressions that frequently track across Ireland. These systems bring stronger winds and can lead to significant changes in wind conditions over short periods.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Clifden largely follows that of County Galway. The strongest and gustiest conditions are typically observed from November to February, coinciding with the peak activity of Atlantic depressions. Conversely, the period from June to August generally experiences the lightest winds. During these summer months, coastal areas like Clifden may experience a sea breeze effect in the afternoons, which can temporarily increase local wind speeds. This diurnal pattern is common along coastlines when land heats up faster than the sea. Observing stations such as Mace Head, approximately 19 km away, can provide an indication of approaching weather fronts several hours before they reach inland areas.

Exposure and shelter

Clifden is a coastal town, located approximately 1 km from the coast. Its exposure to wind will depend on the local topography and the direction of the wind. Coastal locations generally experience higher wind speeds compared to inland areas due to less obstruction. While the county's coastline is exposed to the Atlantic, local features around Clifden Harbour can offer some shelter or create funnelling effects depending on the wind direction. Inland, hills can provide shelter on their leeward side, but can also contribute to increased wind speeds on their windward slopes or through funnelling in valleys. It is important to consider both the general regional wind climate and specific local conditions when assessing wind exposure.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Wind forecasts are relevant to several sectors in Clifden and County Galway. Tourism benefits from understanding wind conditions for outdoor activities and events. The marine sector, including activities around Clifden Harbour and Cleggan Harbour, relies on accurate wind information for navigation and safety. For farming, wind data is crucial for planning activities such as spraying and silage timing, as strong winds can affect application and drying. Building and roofing work also requires wind awareness, particularly for tasks at height. Wind energy, an economic sector in the county, depends on consistent wind resources. For individuals walking or engaging in other outdoor pursuits, understanding wind speed and direction, including potential wind chill, is important for comfort and planning.

Near Clifden

Clifden is in Co. Galway, one of 14 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Mace Head (19 km), Newport (56 km) and Claremorris (72 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Galway Wind Park, about 40 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Clifden

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