Wind forecast Rathdowney today

Wind in Rathdowney right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Rathdowney

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 7 and 21 km/h (4 to 13 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 38 km/h (24 mph) at Sun 15:00. 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 50 km/h (31 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 Rathdowney

Rathdowney, or Ráth Domhnaigh, is an inland town in County Laois, approximately 74 km from the coast. As with much of Ireland, the prevailing winds are from the westerly quarter, driven by Atlantic weather systems. Wind speeds generally increase with height, so wind at 10 metres above ground will be lower than at 80 metres or 120 metres. Gusts, which are sudden, brief increases in wind speed, will always exceed the mean wind speed. While County Laois experiences mean 10-metre wind speeds roughly between 3.5-5.5 m/s, these figures are county-level approximations and can vary locally. Stronger gusts are observed elsewhere in the county on exposed hills and open bogland. Rathdowney's inland location means it is generally less exposed than coastal areas, but local topography can still influence wind patterns.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Rathdowney generally reflects that of County Laois. The county typically experiences its calmest periods during summer and autumn. Conversely, the windiest spells are usually observed in winter and early spring, when frontal systems from the Atlantic frequently cross the country. These systems bring stronger winds and more pronounced gusts. While the county notes indicate that hills and open bogland elsewhere in Laois see the biggest gusts, Rathdowney's specific location within this inland county will dictate its local experience of these seasonal trends. The general pattern of stronger winds in the colder months and calmer conditions in warmer months is a consistent feature across much of Ireland.

Exposure and shelter

Rathdowney's inland position in County Laois means it is generally less exposed to the direct force of Atlantic winds compared to coastal locations. However, local terrain can significantly influence wind exposure. While the town is not coastal, the open plains and midland bogland elsewhere in the county are noted for their exposure. Shelter can be found in the lee of buildings or other physical obstructions, where wind speeds will be reduced. Conversely, open areas within and around Rathdowney may experience more direct wind flow. The Slieve Bloom Mountains, mentioned in the county notes, are elsewhere in the county and contribute to local wind patterns there, but their direct impact on Rathdowney would be limited due to distance.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind information is valuable for several sectors in and around Rathdowney. For agriculture, a key sector in County Laois, wind data is crucial for planning activities such as spraying, silage timing, and managing livestock. Strong winds can impact building and roofing work, requiring careful consideration for safety and material handling. For festivals and events, another significant sector in the county, understanding wind conditions is essential for setting up temporary structures and ensuring participant comfort. Logistics operations, which are also present in the county, rely on wind forecasts for planning transportation, particularly for high-sided vehicles. Local sports, such as those played on GAA pitches, can also be affected by wind strength and direction.

Near Rathdowney

Rathdowney is in Co. Laois, one of 8 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Gurteen (36 km), Oak Park (44 km) and Mullingar (78 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Bruckana Wind Farm, about 16 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Rathdowney

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