Wind forecast Glenavy today

Wind in Glenavy right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Glenavy

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 2 and 23 km/h (1 to 14 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 43 km/h (27 mph) at Mon 05:00. 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 50 km/h (31 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 Glenavy

Glenavy, situated in County Antrim, experiences wind patterns typical of an inland location in Northern Ireland, approximately 19 km from the coast. The county's dominant wind direction is south-westerly, a common feature across Ireland due to the influence of Atlantic depressions. While coastal areas of Antrim may see mean 10 m wind speeds of 5.5-7.5 m/s, inland areas like Glenavy are likely to experience somewhat lower averages, around 4-5.5 m/s, based on approximate county-level data. Gusts will always exceed the mean wind speed, particularly during periods of strong synoptic flow. Strongest winds typically occur in winter, driven by south-westerlies and north-westerlies. The presence of nearby Lough Neagh, approximately 12 km away, may have some localised effects on wind flow, though its specific impact on Glenavy is not described in available data.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Glenavy generally follows the broader trend for County Antrim. Winter months, from roughly October to March, typically bring the strongest and most frequent winds, predominantly from the south-west and north-west. These winds are associated with the passage of Atlantic low-pressure systems. Spring and autumn can also feature strong winds, though often with less persistence than in winter. Summer, from June to August, generally sees lighter and more variable winds. During warm, calm summer afternoons, local thermal effects can sometimes generate a sea breeze effect, even at inland locations, though its strength and reach in Glenavy would be influenced by distance from the coast and local topography. Wind chill can make even moderate winter winds feel significantly colder.

Exposure and shelter

Glenavy's inland position, approximately 19 km from the coast, means it is generally more sheltered than exposed coastal areas of County Antrim. The county's coastal exposure is noted from Larne to Portrush, with the Antrim Plateau and Slemish also exposed. Rathlin and the Causeway Coast are particularly exposed to northerlies. While these areas experience significant exposure, Glenavy's local terrain will dictate its specific exposure and shelter. Buildings, tree lines, and minor undulations in the landscape can provide localised shelter, reducing wind speeds at ground level. Conversely, any open stretches of land or funnelling effects between structures could lead to localised increases in wind speed or gustiness. The area around Belfast International Airport, approximately 7 km away, is likely to be relatively open, which can influence local wind patterns.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind forecasts are valuable for several sectors in and around Glenavy. For the agri-food sector and farming, wind data is crucial for planning activities such as spraying, silage timing, and managing livestock, where strong winds can impact operations. The aerospace and engineering sector, particularly relevant with Belfast International Airport nearby, relies on precise wind information for aviation safety and operational efficiency. For general building and roofing work, understanding wind conditions helps in planning for worker safety and securing materials. Individuals engaged in outdoor activities like walking or those involved with local GAA pitches also benefit from knowing wind speeds and directions to plan their comfort and safety. Wind energy, a sector in County Antrim, also requires detailed wind assessments for planning and operation, though the nearest wind farm, Altahullion, is about 58 km away.

Near Glenavy

Glenavy is in Co. Antrim, one of 26 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Belfast International Airport EGAA (METAR) (7 km), George Best Belfast City Airport EGAC (METAR) (22 km) and City of Derry Airport EGAE (METAR) (79 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Altahullion Wind Farm, about 58 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Glenavy

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