Wind forecast Maghera today

Wind in Maghera right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Maghera

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 2 and 21 km/h (1 to 13 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 39 km/h (24 mph) at Sun 14:00. 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 47 km/h (29 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 22 km/h (14 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Maghera

Maghera (Machaire Rátha) is situated inland in County Londonderry, approximately 33 km from the coast. The wind here is influenced by its inland location and the broader regional weather patterns. Generally, inland areas experience lower average wind speeds compared to coastal regions. County Londonderry typically sees coastal mean 10 m wind speeds of roughly 5.5-7.5 m/s, while inland areas like Maghera might experience around 4-5.5 m/s, based on approximate ERA5-like data. Gusts are a common feature of wind in Ireland, often exceeding the mean wind speed. The strongest winds in the county typically occur during winter, driven by southwesterlies and north-westerlies associated with Atlantic depressions. The Wind Agent provides current wind conditions, a 48-hour table, and 7-day gust forecasts for Maghera.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Maghera generally aligns with the wider Irish climate, characterised by stronger winds in winter and milder conditions in summer. Winter months, particularly from October to March, often bring the most significant wind events, primarily from the southwest and northwest, as Atlantic depressions track across the island. These systems can lead to prolonged periods of strong winds and gusts. During the summer, wind speeds are typically lower. On warm, sunny afternoons, a sea breeze effect can sometimes be observed in coastal areas, but its influence diminishes significantly inland at Maghera's distance from the coast. Overall, the county's strongest winds are associated with winter southwesterlies and north-westerlies.

Exposure and shelter

Maghera's inland location means it experiences different exposure characteristics compared to the more exposed coastal areas of County Londonderry. While the county's north-facing coast from Magilligan to Portstewart, backed by the Sperrin uplands, is very exposed to northwest wind, Maghera benefits from some shelter due to its distance from the immediate coastline. However, wind can still be funnelled or accelerated by local topography. The county notes indicate that ridgelines elsewhere in the county, such as Binevenagh and the Sperrins, can funnel and accelerate wind, creating gust hotspots. In Maghera, local terrain and structures will play a role in creating microclimates of shelter or exposure. Wind chill can be a factor, particularly in exposed areas during colder, windier conditions.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Understanding the wind forecast is valuable for several local activities in Maghera. For the agri-food sector, prevalent in County Londonderry, wind speed and direction are crucial for tasks such as spraying, silage timing, and general farm management. Strong winds can impact building and roofing work, requiring careful planning to ensure safety and efficiency. For local walking and outdoor activities, knowing the wind conditions helps in preparing for wind chill and potential exposure. While Maghera is inland, the county's port and shipping activities in Derry highlight the importance of wind data for maritime operations elsewhere in the county. The nearest wind farm, Altahullion, approximately 17 km away, demonstrates the region's engagement with wind energy, where precise wind data is fundamental.

Near Maghera

Maghera is in Co. Derry / Londonderry, one of 18 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Belfast International Airport EGAA (METAR) (36 km), City of Derry Airport EGAE (METAR) (38 km) and George Best Belfast City Airport EGAC (METAR) (57 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Altahullion Wind Farm, about 17 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Maghera

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