Wind forecast Portumna today

Wind in Portumna right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Portumna

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 8 and 21 km/h (5 to 13 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 38 km/h (24 mph) at Sun 16:00. 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 Tue 6/10, gusts to 25 km/h (16 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Portumna

Portumna, or Port Omna, is situated in County Galway, approximately 48 km from the coast. As an inland location, it generally experiences less wind than coastal areas of the county. Observations in County Galway typically show coastal mean 10 m wind speeds of roughly 6.5-8.5 m/s, falling to about 5-7 m/s a few kilometres inland. The prevailing winds across Ireland are from the west or southwest, and this pattern holds true for Portumna. Wind speeds are usually reported at a standard height of 10 metres above ground level. Gusts, which are short-term increases in wind speed, will always exceed the mean wind speed and can be significantly higher, especially during unsettled weather. The wind here is influenced by large-scale weather systems, primarily Atlantic depressions approaching from the west.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Portumna follows the general Irish climate, with stronger and gustier conditions typically occurring from November to February. This period coincides with the most active phase of Atlantic depressions. Conversely, the lightest winds are generally observed from June to August. While coastal areas may experience sea breezes on summer afternoons, this effect is less pronounced or absent in inland locations such as Portumna. The dominant wind direction in County Galway is from the southwest, and this influence is felt in Portumna year-round, contributing to its overall wind climate. Changes in wind patterns can be anticipated by observing conditions at coastal stations and offshore buoys, which often lead inland areas by several hours when a front approaches.

Exposure and shelter

Portumna's inland location means it is more sheltered than the exposed Atlantic coastline of County Galway. The town's specific exposure to wind will be influenced by local topography, including any surrounding buildings or tree lines. Shelter from wind can be found on the lee side of such features. Conversely, wind can be funnelled and accelerated through gaps or between structures. While the county experiences extreme gusts in specific hotspots elsewhere, such as Slyne Head or Mace Head, Portumna's inland position provides some mitigation from the most severe coastal exposures. The nearest wind farm is Derrybrien Wind Farm, approximately 25 km away, indicating areas where wind resources are considered viable for energy generation.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Understanding wind conditions is important for various activities in Portumna. For farming, wind forecasts are crucial for planning spraying operations, silage timing, and managing livestock. The local tourism sector benefits from wind information, particularly for activities on Lough Derg, such as windsurfing at Lough Derg Windsurf, approximately 16 km away. Events and festivals in the area also consider wind for setting up structures and ensuring comfort. For building and roofing, knowing wind speeds and gust potential is essential for safety and structural integrity. Additionally, general outdoor pursuits like walking or GAA matches are affected by wind, impacting comfort and playability. The nearest observing stations, such as Gurteen (15 km) and Athenry (44 km), provide valuable local data.

Near Portumna

Portumna is in Co. Galway, one of 14 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Gurteen (15 km), Athenry (44 km) and Shannon Airport EINN (METAR) (64 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Derrybrien Wind Farm, about 25 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Portumna

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