Wind forecast Glenariff today

Wind in Glenariff right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Glenariff

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 6 and 31 km/h (4 to 19 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 52 km/h (32 mph) at Mon 07:00. 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 Sat 10/10 with gusts to 54 km/h (34 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 27 km/h (17 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Glenariff

Glenariff, located in County Antrim, experiences wind patterns characteristic of a coastal location in Ulster. The prevailing winds across the county are from the southwest. Wind speeds are generally higher along the coast compared to inland areas, with coastal mean 10 m wind speeds in County Antrim estimated to be roughly 5.5-7.5 m/s. Gusts, which are short, sudden increases in wind speed, will typically exceed the mean wind speed. Strongest winds in the county are associated with winter southwesterlies and north-westerlies. Coastal stations and offshore buoys can provide an early indication of approaching weather fronts, often leading interior locations by several hours.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Glenariff generally reflects that of County Antrim. Winter months typically bring the strongest winds, primarily from southwesterly and north-westerly directions, as Atlantic depressions track across Ireland. During the summer, wind speeds tend to be lighter. Localised sea breezes can develop on warm, sunny afternoons, bringing a cooling effect from the sea. These sea breezes are generally light to moderate and are distinct from the larger-scale synoptic winds. Throughout the year, gusts are a common feature, particularly during periods of stronger wind, and can be significantly higher than the average wind speed.

Exposure and shelter

As a coastal location, Glenariff is subject to direct exposure from winds arriving off the sea. The specific degree of exposure depends on the orientation of the local coastline. While coastal areas are generally more exposed, local topography can create areas of shelter or funnelling. In County Antrim, gusts are known to funnel along the Glens and across the Antrim plateau. Shelter from wind can be found immediately to the lee of hills or substantial buildings. However, the general coastal exposure means that wind conditions can change rapidly, especially with the passage of weather fronts.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind information is valuable for several activities in Glenariff. For the significant tourism sector in County Antrim, understanding wind conditions is important for planning outdoor activities. The agri-food sector, including farming, relies on wind data for tasks such as spraying and silage timing. Building and roofing work also benefits from knowing wind speeds to ensure operational planning. For those involved in ports and shipping, and other sea uses in general, wind forecasts are critical for navigation and operational decisions, particularly given the proximity to Ballycastle Harbour. Wind energy is also a sector within the county, where precise wind data is fundamental.

Near Glenariff

Glenariff is in Co. Antrim, one of 26 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Belfast International Airport EGAA (METAR) (45 km), George Best Belfast City Airport EGAC (METAR) (50 km) and City of Derry Airport EGAE (METAR) (70 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Altahullion Wind Farm, about 55 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Glenariff

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