Wind forecast Craigavon today

Wind in Craigavon right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Craigavon

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 3 and 20 km/h (2 to 12 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 41 km/h (25 mph) at Mon 12:00. 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 47 km/h (29 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 19 km/h (12 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Craigavon

Craigavon, or Creag Abhann, is located inland in County Armagh. The wind here is influenced by its position 36 km from the coast. While coastal areas generally experience stronger winds, inland locations like Craigavon are still subject to the prevailing westerly and south-westerly winds that cross Ireland from the Atlantic. Gusts are a common feature, typically exceeding the mean wind speed. The county's mean 10 m wind speed is approximately 3.5-5.5 m/s, with higher values expected on more exposed terrain. Wind speeds can vary significantly with height, generally increasing at 80 m and 120 m above ground level. The presence of frontal systems crossing the country can lead to stronger wind events, particularly during the winter and early spring months.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Craigavon generally mirrors that of County Armagh. The windiest periods are typically observed in winter and early spring, coinciding with the passage of Atlantic frontal systems across Ireland. Conversely, the summer and autumn months tend to be calmer. While the county's dominant wind direction is south-westerly, local topography can influence wind flow. During summer afternoons, a sea breeze effect can sometimes be felt in inland areas if conditions are right, though its influence diminishes with distance from the coast. The variation in wind strength throughout the year is a characteristic feature of Ireland's climate.

Exposure and shelter

Craigavon is situated in an inland county characterised by open drumlin farmland, which offers limited natural shelter. While the town itself may have some localised shelter from buildings and urban structures, the broader landscape is relatively exposed. The county's dominant wind direction is south-westerly, meaning that winds from this direction are often the most prevalent. Shelter from hills or other terrain features can reduce wind speeds in their lee. Conversely, funnelling effects between buildings or terrain can locally increase wind speeds. The general exposure of the open farmland means that wind conditions can be felt across much of the area, though specific microclimates will exist.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Wind forecasts are relevant for several sectors in and around Craigavon. In agriculture and agri-food, understanding wind direction and speed is important for activities such as crop spraying, timing of silage operations, and general farm management. The manufacturing and logistics sectors may consider wind conditions for outdoor operations, transport planning, and the stability of temporary structures. For general farming, strong winds can affect livestock and infrastructure. Additionally, for outdoor activities like walking or local GAA pitches, wind information helps in planning and comfort. While Craigavon is inland, nearby Lough Neagh is used for activities like kitesurfing, where precise wind data is crucial.

Near Craigavon

Craigavon is in Co. Armagh, one of 8 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Belfast International Airport EGAA (METAR) (26 km), George Best Belfast City Airport EGAC (METAR) (38 km) and Ballyhaise (74 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Bessy Bell Wind Farm, about 63 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Craigavon

Go deeper

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