Wind forecast Raphoe today

Wind in Raphoe right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Raphoe

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 5 and 24 km/h (3 to 15 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 45 km/h (28 mph) at Mon 01:00. 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 46 km/h (29 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 24 km/h (15 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Raphoe

Raphoe, or Ráth Bhoth, is situated in County Donegal, approximately 10 km inland. This location means it experiences wind patterns influenced by its distance from the coast, generally resulting in lower mean wind speeds compared to coastal areas of the county. County Donegal typically experiences mean 10 m wind speeds of about 6.5-8.5 m/s along the coast, decreasing to approximately 5-7 m/s a few kilometres inland. The dominant wind direction across County Donegal is south-westerly. Gusts will always exceed the mean wind speed, particularly in open areas. The Wind Agent provides live wind data for Raphoe, including current conditions, a 48-hour table, and 7-day gust summaries, offering a precise view of local wind behaviour.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Raphoe generally follows that of County Donegal. The strongest and gustiest conditions typically occur from November to February, driven by Atlantic depressions. Conversely, the lightest winds are usually observed from June to August. While Raphoe is inland, coastal areas of Donegal can experience a sea breeze effect in summer afternoons, which lifts wind speeds there. Observing stations such as City of Derry Airport (about 34 km away) and Donegal Airport (about 51 km away), as well as Malin Head (about 57 km away), can provide an early indication of approaching fronts for the wider region, often leading the interior by several hours.

Exposure and shelter

As an inland town, Raphoe's exposure to wind differs from coastal locations in County Donegal. The county as a whole is known for its high exposure, particularly on its deeply indented Atlantic coast and around hills such as Errigal and Slieve League elsewhere in the county. In Raphoe, local topography and structures will influence wind patterns, creating areas of shelter in the lee of buildings or higher ground, and potentially funnelling effects in narrower passages. While the county's coastal areas are known for gust hotspots like Malin Head and Bloody Foreland, Raphoe's inland position means it will experience different local wind dynamics. The Wind Agent's data helps in understanding these specific local variations.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind information is valuable for several activities in Raphoe. For agriculture, a key sector in County Donegal, wind data is crucial for timing activities such as spraying and silage, ensuring efficacy and preventing drift. Building and roofing work also benefits from precise wind forecasts, especially concerning safety and material handling at height. For tourism, another significant sector in the county, understanding wind conditions is important for planning outdoor activities, although Raphoe is not coastal. Wind energy is an economic sector in County Donegal, with the Meentycat Wind Farm located approximately 13 km away, highlighting the regional importance of wind resources. Even for general walking, knowing the wind strength can impact comfort and planning.

Near Raphoe

Raphoe is in Co. Donegal, one of 19 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are City of Derry Airport EGAE (METAR) (34 km), Donegal Airport EIDL (METAR) (51 km) and Malin Head (57 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Meentycat Wind Farm, about 13 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Raphoe

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