Wind forecast Letterkenny today

Wind in Letterkenny right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Letterkenny

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 4 and 21 km/h (2 to 13 mph), mostly from the WSW. The strongest gust is 44 km/h (27 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 50 km/h (31 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 28 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 Letterkenny

Letterkenny, or Leitir Ceanainn, is located in County Donegal, a coastal county in Ulster. As with much of Ireland, the prevailing winds are from the westerly quarter, influenced by Atlantic weather systems. Wind speeds can vary significantly, with gusts typically exceeding the mean wind speed. The county experiences a coastal mean wind of approximately 6.5-8.5 m/s at 10 m height, which can fall to about 5-7 m/s a few kilometres inland. Letterkenny is approximately 3 km from the coast, suggesting it will experience slightly lower average wind speeds than exposed coastal areas, but still be subject to the general wind climate of Donegal. The strongest and gustiest conditions are generally observed from November to February.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Letterkenny largely mirrors that of County Donegal. The period from November to February typically experiences the strongest and gustiest winds, driven by Atlantic depressions. Conversely, the lightest winds are generally observed from June to August. During these summer months, a sea breeze can develop on coastal afternoons, which may increase wind speeds near the coast. However, this effect diminishes inland. The county's dominant wind direction is from the southwest, which is a common pattern across much of Ireland due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. This general pattern will influence the wind conditions experienced in Letterkenny throughout the year.

Exposure and shelter

Letterkenny is situated in a coastal county, approximately 3 km from the coast. This proximity means it is subject to the general exposure of the region, though inland locations typically experience reduced wind speeds compared to exposed headlands. Shelter can be found immediately to the lee of hills or substantial buildings, where wind flow is disrupted. Conversely, funnelling effects can occur in gaps or valleys, potentially increasing wind speeds locally. County Donegal is noted for its high exposure along its deeply indented Atlantic coast. While Letterkenny itself is not directly on the coastline, its relative proximity means it will still be influenced by the broader coastal wind climate and the county's general exposure to Atlantic weather.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind information is valuable for several sectors in and around Letterkenny. For agriculture, knowing wind speeds and directions is crucial for timing activities such as spraying and silage, ensuring efficacy and avoiding drift. Building and roofing work also relies on wind forecasts for operational planning and safety. The wind energy sector, which includes the Meentycat Wind Farm approximately 8 km away, uses precise wind data for turbine operation and maintenance. For those involved in tourism, including surf and golf tourism in the wider county, wind conditions are a key factor for planning activities. General outdoor activities like walking and use of GAA pitches also benefit from understanding wind conditions.

Near Letterkenny

Letterkenny is in Co. Donegal, one of 19 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are City of Derry Airport EGAE (METAR) (38 km), Donegal Airport EIDL (METAR) (40 km) and Malin Head (53 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Meentycat Wind Farm, about 8 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Letterkenny

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