Wind forecast Donaghcloney today

Wind in Donaghcloney right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Donaghcloney

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 3 and 24 km/h (2 to 15 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 44 km/h (27 mph) at Mon 13:00. 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 48 km/h (30 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 17 km/h (11 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Donaghcloney

Donaghcloney, located in County Down, experiences wind patterns typical of an inland location in Northern Ireland. The prevailing winds across Ireland are from the west and southwest, influenced by Atlantic weather systems. While coastal areas of County Down can see mean 10 m wind speeds of roughly 5.5-7.5 m/s, inland areas like Donaghcloney typically experience lower speeds, approximately 4-5.5 m/s. Gusts will always exceed the mean wind speed, particularly during the passage of depressions. Winter southwesterlies and north-westerlies are often associated with the strongest winds across the county. As an inland location, Donaghcloney is somewhat sheltered compared to the exposed coastline of County Down.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Donaghcloney generally follows that of the wider region. The strongest winds are typically observed during the winter months, from October to March, when Atlantic depressions are more frequent and intense. These systems bring strong southwesterly and northwesterly winds. Summer months, from June to August, tend to be calmer on average. However, even in summer, convective activity or frontal systems can bring periods of stronger winds and gusts. A sea breeze effect, while more pronounced directly on the coast, may have some influence on wind patterns further inland on warm, sunny afternoons, though its impact diminishes with distance from the sea.

Exposure and shelter

Donaghcloney is situated approximately 31 km from the coast, classifying it as an inland location. This distance provides a degree of shelter compared to the direct coastal exposure found elsewhere in County Down, such as along Strangford Lough, the Ards, and the Mournes. Local topography, including buildings and minor undulations in the landscape, will influence wind flow at lower levels, creating localised areas of shelter or funnelling. While the county's dominant wind direction is SW, local effects can modify this. Coastal stations and offshore buoys can provide an early indication of approaching weather fronts, often leading inland conditions by several hours.

Local uses of the wind forecast

For farming in Donaghcloney, wind forecasts are important for tasks such as spraying and silage timing, where specific wind conditions are required to ensure efficacy and minimise drift. The agri-food sector, a key part of the county's economy, relies on stable conditions for various outdoor operations. For local residents, understanding wind patterns is relevant for outdoor activities like walking. For building and roofing work, wind speed and gust forecasts are critical for operational safety and planning. Although not coastal, the nearby Lough Neagh is a significant body of water, and wind conditions there would be relevant for any water-based activities.

Near Donaghcloney

Donaghcloney is in Co. Down, one of 37 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Belfast International Airport EGAA (METAR) (27 km), George Best Belfast City Airport EGAC (METAR) (33 km) and Ballyhaise (80 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Altahullion Wind Farm, about 70 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Donaghcloney

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