Wind forecast Portstewart today

Wind in Portstewart right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Portstewart

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 7 and 22 km/h (4 to 14 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 40 km/h (25 mph) at Mon 12:00. 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 56 km/h (35 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 Portstewart

Portstewart, or Port Stíobhaird, is situated on the north coast of County Londonderry. The prevailing winds across Ireland are from the westerly quarter, and these frequently bring Atlantic weather systems. Wind speeds are generally higher on the coast than inland. Gusts will typically exceed the mean wind speed, particularly during unsettled weather. The county's coastal areas, including Portstewart, can experience mean 10 m wind speeds in the range of 5.5-7.5 m/s. The strongest winds are often associated with winter southwesterlies and north-westerlies. Observing stations such as City of Derry Airport and Malin Head can provide an early indication of approaching weather fronts, often leading interior locations by several hours.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Portstewart, like much of Ireland, shows higher average wind speeds during the autumn and winter months, from October to March. During these periods, the passage of Atlantic depressions is more frequent and intense. Lower average wind speeds are typically observed in spring and summer. In summer afternoons, a sea breeze effect can develop on coastal areas when inland temperatures are significantly higher than sea temperatures, leading to a localised increase in wind speed near the coast. This is a diurnal pattern superimposed on the synoptic wind. Wind chill can make even moderate wind speeds feel considerably colder, particularly in winter.

Exposure and shelter

Portstewart is a coastal town, approximately 1 km from the coast, and its exposure to wind is influenced by its location. The north-facing aspect of the coast from Magilligan to Portstewart, with uplands behind, makes it very exposed to northwesterly winds. While the county's dominant wind is SW, the coastal orientation here means other directions can also bring significant exposure. Local topography, including buildings and minor undulations, can create localised areas of shelter or funnelling effects, where wind speeds may be reduced or accelerated. However, coastal locations generally experience less shelter than inland areas. The county notes indicate that the north coast is particularly exposed to strong winds.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind forecasts are important for several activities in Portstewart. For the agri-food sector, wind conditions are critical for operations such as spraying and silage timing. The tourism sector, including activities at Portstewart Golf Club and Portstewart Strand, relies on wind information for planning outdoor activities. Coastal activities, including those related to the nearby Portstewart Strand, are directly impacted by wind speed and direction, with implications for safety and enjoyment. Building and roofing work requires wind data to ensure operations can proceed. For the general public, understanding the wind forecast aids in planning daily activities and being prepared for wind chill, especially during colder months.

Near Portstewart

Portstewart is in Co. Derry / Londonderry, one of 18 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are City of Derry Airport EGAE (METAR) (32 km), Malin Head (45 km) and Belfast International Airport EGAA (METAR) (66 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Altahullion Wind Farm, about 30 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Portstewart

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