Wind forecast Derrybeg today

Wind in Derrybeg right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Derrybeg

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 5 and 29 km/h (3 to 18 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 56 km/h (35 mph) at Mon 02:00. 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 61 km/h (38 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 34 km/h (21 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Derrybeg

Derrybeg (Doirí Beaga) is a coastal settlement in County Donegal, approximately 2 km from the coast. The prevailing winds across Ireland are westerlies, originating from the Atlantic. This means Derrybeg experiences wind patterns influenced by its proximity to the ocean and the broader atmospheric conditions over the North Atlantic. Wind speeds are generally higher at 10 metres above ground, increasing further at 80 metres and 120 metres, which are typical heights for wind turbines. Gusts, which are short, sudden increases in wind speed, will always exceed the mean wind speed. County Donegal, as the most northerly county, has a deeply indented Atlantic coastline, contributing to high exposure across its headlands and hills. Coastal mean 10 m wind speeds in the county are roughly 6.5-8.5 m/s, decreasing a few kilometres inland.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind patterns in Derrybeg follow the general trend for County Donegal, which experiences its strongest and gustiest winds from November to February. This period is associated with the passage of Atlantic depressions. Conversely, the lightest winds typically occur from June to August. During these summer months, a sea breeze can develop, which tends to lift wind speeds in the afternoons along the coast. Coastal observing stations, such as Donegal Airport EIDL, and offshore buoys can provide an early indication of approaching weather fronts, often leading inland locations by several hours. This allows for anticipation of changes in wind conditions.

Exposure and shelter

As a coastal location, Derrybeg's exposure to wind depends on the orientation of the coastline. Generally, coastal areas are windier than inland locations. Shelter from wind can be found in the lee of hills, such as Errigal approximately 13 km away, or large buildings, where the wind flow is disrupted. However, funnelling effects can occur in valleys or between structures, potentially increasing wind speeds in localised areas. The county's wind climate notes high exposure on headlands and hills elsewhere in the county. Wind chill, the perceived decrease in air temperature felt by the body on exposed skin due to the flow of air, is a factor to consider, especially in stronger winds and cooler temperatures.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind forecasts are valuable for several activities in and around Derrybeg. For the fishing industry, particularly in Killybegs and other coastal areas, wind conditions are critical for planning operations. Tourism, including surf and golf tourism, relies on wind information for activity planning, with Magheraroarty being a surf spot approximately 8 km away. Farmers use wind forecasts to time activities such as spraying and silage cutting, as strong winds can affect application and drying. Building and roofing work requires wind data for operational planning. For those engaging in walking, such as on Errigal, wind conditions influence comfort and planning. GAA pitches and other outdoor sports also benefit from knowing wind direction and strength.

Near Derrybeg

Derrybeg is in Co. Donegal, one of 19 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Donegal Airport EIDL (METAR) (5 km), Finner (66 km) and Malin Head (68 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Corkermore Wind Farm, about 22 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Derrybeg

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