Wind forecast Strandhill today

Wind in Strandhill right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Strandhill

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 3 and 27 km/h (2 to 17 mph), mostly from the SSW. The strongest gust is 35 km/h (22 mph) at Mon 09:00. 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 58 km/h (36 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 Strandhill

Strandhill, or An Leathros, is a coastal town in County Sligo, with a population between 1,000 and 2,000. Located approximately 1 km from the coast, it experiences significant influence from the Atlantic. The county's dominant wind direction is from the southwest. Coastal areas in County Sligo, including Strandhill, typically experience mean 10-metre wind speeds ranging from 6.5 to 8.5 metres per second. Gusts, which are short, sudden increases in wind speed, will always exceed the mean wind speed and can be considerably stronger, particularly during Atlantic depressions. The proximity to the open Atlantic means Strandhill is directly exposed to these systems, leading to strong and gusty conditions.

Seasonal pattern

The wind in Strandhill follows a seasonal pattern typical of Ireland's Atlantic coast. The strongest and gustiest conditions are generally observed from November to February, coinciding with the passage of Atlantic depressions. During these months, the frequency and intensity of strong winds are at their peak. Conversely, the lightest winds are usually experienced from June to August. However, even in summer, coastal areas like Strandhill can see increased wind speeds in the afternoons due to the development of sea breezes. These local winds are driven by temperature differences between the land and the sea, lifting wind speeds on otherwise calm days.

Exposure and shelter

As a coastal location, Strandhill is exposed to the open Atlantic, particularly to winds from the west and southwest. The general topography of the county, including features like Benbulben and Knocknarea elsewhere in the county, influences regional wind patterns, but Strandhill's immediate coastal position means it faces the full force of oceanic winds. While the town itself is relatively flat near the coast, any local terrain features, buildings, or vegetation can provide shelter, reducing wind speeds immediately downwind. Conversely, funnelling effects can occur in gaps or between structures, leading to localised increases in wind speed. Wind chill will be a factor in exposed areas, particularly during stronger winds and lower temperatures.

Local uses of the wind forecast

The wind forecast is important for several activities in Strandhill. For tourism and surf & golf, knowing the wind speed and direction is essential for planning outdoor activities and assessing conditions. Agriculture in the county benefits from wind information for tasks like spraying and timing silage cuts. For general building and roofing, understanding wind conditions is crucial for safety and structural integrity. Aviation at Sligo Airport, located nearby, relies on precise wind data for flight operations. Coastal users, including those involved in sea-based activities, depend on accurate wind forecasts for safety. Strong winds can also affect walking conditions, especially on exposed routes.

Near Strandhill

Strandhill is in Co. Sligo, one of 7 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Sligo Airport EISG (METAR) (1 km), Markree (13 km) and Finner (33 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Garvagh Glebe Wind Farm, about 36 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Strandhill

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