Wind forecast Randalstown today

Wind in Randalstown right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Randalstown

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 0 and 22 km/h (0 to 14 mph), mostly from the SSW. The strongest gust is 41 km/h (25 mph) at Mon 11:00. 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 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 Randalstown

Randalstown, or Baile Raghnaill, is an inland town in County Antrim, approximately 27 km from the coast. As with much of Ireland, the prevailing winds are from the westerly quarter, driven by Atlantic depressions. These bring the strongest winds, particularly during winter. While coastal areas of Antrim experience mean wind speeds of approximately 5.5-7.5 m/s, inland locations like Randalstown typically see lower mean speeds, around 4-5.5 m/s. Gusts will always exceed the mean wind speed and can be significantly higher, especially during strong weather systems. The town's inland position means it is generally less exposed than the county's coastline, but local topography can still influence wind patterns.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Randalstown follows the general trend for Ireland, with stronger and more frequent winds occurring from autumn through to spring. Winter southwesterlies and north-westerlies are typically the strongest. During the summer months, winds are generally lighter. On warm, sunny summer afternoons, a sea breeze effect can sometimes be observed, even inland, as air over the land heats up and rises, drawing cooler air from the coast. However, Randalstown's distance from the coast means this effect will be less pronounced than in coastal towns. Overall, the windiest period is usually between October and March.

Exposure and shelter

Randalstown's inland location provides some natural shelter compared to the exposed Antrim coastline. The town is situated approximately 27 km from the sea. While the county's dominant wind direction is southwesterly, local terrain and structures within the town will influence specific wind conditions. Buildings and other features can create localised shelter or funnelling effects, altering the wind flow at ground level. For example, wind speeds can be lower in the lee of substantial buildings, while narrow passages may experience increased wind speeds due to funnelling. The general wind climate for County Antrim notes that inland areas are typically less windy than the coast.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Wind forecasts are relevant for various activities in Randalstown. For the agri-food sector, timing of spraying and silage operations is critical, as strong winds can lead to drift or hinder drying. Building and roofing work requires careful consideration of wind speed, especially when working at height. The aerospace and engineering sectors, present in County Antrim, rely on precise wind data for operations, including at nearby Belfast International Airport. For local residents, understanding wind chill is important for outdoor activities, particularly in colder months. Those involved in wind energy projects in the wider county will also use wind data for planning and operational efficiency.

Near Randalstown

Randalstown is in Co. Antrim, one of 26 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Belfast International Airport EGAA (METAR) (12 km), George Best Belfast City Airport EGAC (METAR) (31 km) and City of Derry Airport EGAE (METAR) (64 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Altahullion Wind Farm, about 43 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Randalstown

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