Wind forecast Donegal today

Wind in Donegal right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Donegal

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 1 and 26 km/h (1 to 16 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 48 km/h (30 mph) at Mon 03:00. 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 52 km/h (32 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 26 km/h (16 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Donegal

Donegal, or Dún na nGall, is situated in County Donegal, a county known for its significant wind exposure. As a coastal town, Donegal experiences the direct influence of Atlantic weather systems. Wind speeds at 10 metres above ground level in coastal areas of the county typically range from approximately 6.5 to 8.5 m/s, with slightly lower speeds a few kilometres inland. Gusts, which are short, sudden increases in wind speed, will always exceed the mean wind speed and can be considerably stronger, especially during active weather. The Wind Agent provides both live mean wind speeds and gust data, offering a comprehensive view of current conditions. The proximity to the coast, at approximately 1 km, means that the town's wind patterns are largely shaped by its coastal location.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Donegal mirrors that of County Donegal generally. The strongest and gustiest winds are typically observed from November to February, a period when Atlantic depressions are most active and frequent. Conversely, the lightest winds usually occur from June to August. During these summer months, coastal areas may experience a sea breeze effect in the afternoons, which can temporarily lift wind speeds. The prevailing wind direction for County Donegal is from the south-west, influencing the general flow of air masses across the region throughout the year. Coastal observing stations and offshore buoys often register changes in wind conditions several hours before inland locations, providing an early indication of approaching weather fronts.

Exposure and shelter

Donegal's coastal location means it is generally exposed to winds, particularly those from the prevailing south-westerly direction. While the town itself is coastal, the specific exposure can vary depending on local topography and the immediate surroundings. Buildings and local terrain can provide some degree of shelter, creating localised areas of reduced wind speed, especially in their lee. Conversely, funnelling effects can occur in narrow passages or between structures, potentially increasing wind speeds. The county's geography, with its deeply indented Atlantic coast, contributes to high exposure on headlands. The Wind Agent provides data at 10 metres, 80 metres, and 120 metres, illustrating how wind speed typically increases with height, as there is less ground friction.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind information is valuable for several activities in Donegal. For the significant tourism sector, understanding wind conditions is crucial for planning outdoor activities such as walking or enjoying the nearby Donegal Golf Club Murvagh, approximately 8 km away. Surfers heading to Rossnowlagh, about 16 km distant, rely on wind data for wave conditions. The fishing industry, centred around Killybegs Harbour (~22 km), uses wind forecasts for operational planning and vessel movements. Farmers in the agricultural sector monitor wind for tasks like spraying and silage timing. The wind energy sector, with the nearest wind farm being Barnesmore Wind Farm (~14 km), also depends on precise wind data. For building and roofing, wind information is essential for operational planning and worker safety.

Near Donegal

Donegal is in Co. Donegal, one of 19 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Finner (20 km), Donegal Airport EIDL (METAR) (46 km) and Sligo Airport EISG (METAR) (52 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Barnesmore Wind Farm, about 14 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Donegal

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