Wind forecast Rathkeale today

Wind in Rathkeale right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Rathkeale

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 6 and 23 km/h (4 to 14 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 42 km/h (26 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 50 km/h (31 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 30 km/h (19 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Rathkeale

Rathkeale, or Ráth Caola, is an inland town in County Limerick, approximately 12 km from the coast. Wind patterns here are influenced by its position within the Shannon region. The county experiences a dominant southwesterly wind, consistent with the broader Atlantic weather systems affecting Ireland. While coastal areas of Limerick may see mean 10 m wind speeds of roughly 5.5-7.5 m/s, inland locations like Rathkeale typically experience somewhat lower speeds, closer to 4.5-6 m/s. Gusts will consistently exceed the mean wind speed. The nearby Shannon estuary, approximately 15 km away, is noted for funnelling westerlies, which can influence wind conditions in the wider area, including Rathkeale, though direct effects may be attenuated inland.

Seasonal pattern

The wind climate in Rathkeale generally follows the seasonal patterns observed across County Limerick. Winter months typically bring stronger winds, including gales, often from the west or southwest, associated with Atlantic depressions. Spring also sees a prevalence of southwesterly winds. As summer approaches, the overall wind speeds tend to be lighter. During summer afternoons, coastal areas of Ireland can experience sea breezes; however, Rathkeale's inland location means this phenomenon is less likely to directly affect the town. The county's wind climate notes indicate lighter winds in summer, with the potential for afternoon sea breezes on the south coast, which is some distance from Rathkeale.

Exposure and shelter

Rathkeale is situated in an inland part of County Limerick, which is described as an inland Shannon county. Its exposure to wind is generally less than that of coastal locations. The town's position within the Golden Vale to the south and with the Ballyhoura hills further east in the county suggests a degree of shelter from certain directions, though specific local topography within the town itself will determine microclimates. Buildings and local terrain can provide shelter, reducing wind speeds at ground level, while open areas will be more exposed. The nearest observing stations, Shannon Airport, approximately 18-20 km away, provide an indication of regional wind conditions, but local effects in Rathkeale will vary.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind information is valuable for various activities in Rathkeale. For agriculture, a key sector in the county, wind forecasts are important for planning activities such as spraying and silage timing, where wind speed and direction can affect efficacy and drift. Building and roofing work in the town also benefits from wind data, as high winds can pose risks and affect material handling. For local sports, including those played on GAA pitches, wind conditions influence play. While Rathkeale is inland, the county's economy includes port activities at Foynes, where wind is a critical factor for shipping. The nearby Adare Manor Golf Club also considers wind in course management and player experience.

Near Rathkeale

Rathkeale is in Co. Limerick, one of 12 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Shannon Airport (18 km), Shannon Airport EINN (METAR) (20 km) and Kerry Airport EIKY (METAR) (55 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Tournafulla Wind Farm, about 21 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Rathkeale

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