Wind forecast Portlaw today

Wind in Portlaw right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Portlaw

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 1 and 20 km/h (1 to 12 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 38 km/h (24 mph) at Sun 23:00. 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 46 km/h (29 mph). The calmest is Thu 8/10, gusts to 31 km/h (19 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Portlaw

Portlaw, or Port Lách, is situated in County Waterford, where the prevailing wind direction is from the southwest. Wind speeds inland, as is the case for Portlaw, are generally lower than coastal areas. County-level approximate mean 10 m wind speeds are typically between 4.5 and 6 m/s inland. Gusts, which are brief increases in wind speed, will always exceed the mean wind speed. The wind in Portlaw is influenced by its inland location, approximately 17 km from the coast, which provides some moderation compared to direct coastal exposure. The general wind patterns across Ireland, driven by Atlantic depressions, mean that westerly winds are common. The Wind Agent provides current wind conditions, a 48-hour table, and 7-day gust forecasts for Portlaw.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Portlaw generally reflects that of County Waterford. Winter typically brings stronger winds and gales, while spring is characterised by southwesterly winds. During the summer months, the wind tends to be lighter. On the south coast of the county, a sea breeze can develop on summer afternoons, potentially increasing wind speeds by 2-4 m/s and shifting the wind direction onshore. While Portlaw is inland, these broader county patterns influence the general conditions. The overall wind climate is shaped by Ireland's position in the North Atlantic, with depressions frequently bringing changeable weather and wind conditions throughout the year.

Exposure and shelter

Portlaw's inland location, approximately 17 km from the coast, provides some degree of shelter from direct coastal exposure. While the county's south-east coast is exposed, and the Waterford Estuary can funnel easterlies, these effects are less pronounced in Portlaw itself. Hills and other terrain features can create both shelter and funnelling effects for wind. Shelter from wind is typically found on the leeward side of hills or large structures, where wind speeds are reduced. Conversely, funnelling can occur in valleys or between buildings, potentially increasing wind speeds. The Comeragh Mountains, approximately 15 km away, are known for strong gusts elsewhere in the county, but their direct impact on Portlaw's wind conditions would be moderated by distance and local topography.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind forecasts are valuable for various activities in and around Portlaw. For the agri-food sector, knowing wind speed and direction is crucial for tasks like crop spraying and planning silage operations, ensuring optimal conditions. Building and roofing work benefits from understanding wind conditions, particularly for safety and material handling. General farming activities also rely on wind information. For individuals engaged in walking or other outdoor pursuits, wind forecasts help in planning, especially considering factors like wind chill. While Portlaw is inland, the nearby Waterford Port, approximately 14 km away, would have significant reliance on wind data for shipping and port operations.

Near Portlaw

Portlaw is in Co. Waterford, one of 6 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Waterford Airport EIWF (METAR) (19 km), Johnstown Castle (56 km) and Moore Park (66 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Woodhouse Wind Farm, about 31 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Portlaw

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