Wind forecast Whitegate today

Wind in Whitegate right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Whitegate

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 3 and 21 km/h (2 to 13 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 37 km/h (23 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 50 km/h (31 mph). The calmest is Thu 8/10, gusts to 31 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 Whitegate

Whitegate, or An Geata Bán, is a coastal settlement in County Cork with a population band of 1,000-2,000. Located at the coast, its wind conditions are influenced by its proximity to the sea. The prevailing wind direction across County Cork is southwesterly, a pattern common across Ireland due to the influence of Atlantic weather systems. Wind speeds at coastal locations are generally higher than inland areas. Gusts are a significant feature of the wind climate, often exceeding the mean wind speed. While Cork Harbour itself offers some shelter, it can still experience gusty conditions. The nearest observing station at Roches Point, approximately 5 km away, provides direct measurements of local wind conditions.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Whitegate follows that of County Cork. Winter typically brings stronger gales, while spring is characterised by southwesterlies. Summer generally sees lighter winds. During summer afternoons, a sea breeze can develop along the south coast, potentially adding 2-4 m/s to the wind speed and shifting the wind direction to onshore. This phenomenon is common in coastal areas of Ireland when inland temperatures are higher than sea temperatures. The general county-level coastal mean wind speed is approximately 5.5-7.5 m/s, with inland areas experiencing around 4.5-6 m/s. These figures are approximate and provide a general context for the region.

Exposure and shelter

As a coastal location, Whitegate's exposure to wind is direct, particularly from directions facing the open sea. However, specific local topography can create areas of shelter or funnelling. Structures and landforms can reduce wind speeds on their leeward side. While the county notes mention gust hotspots elsewhere in Cork like Mizen and Old Head headlands, Whitegate's immediate exposure is defined by its position on the coast and the local landscape around Cork Harbour. The presence of nearby features such as Roches Point and the general configuration of Cork Harbour will influence how wind interacts with the area, creating variations in local wind patterns.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Accurate wind information is valuable for various activities in Whitegate. For the fishing sector, wind speed and direction are critical for operational planning and vessel movements. The local ports, including Cork Harbour Cobh, rely on wind data for navigation and cargo handling. The tourism sector, particularly for activities near the coast, benefits from understanding wind conditions. For individuals engaging in walking or other outdoor pursuits, wind forecasts help in preparing for conditions like wind chill. Building and roofing work, farming activities such as spraying and silage timing, and even local GAA pitches can all be affected by wind, making precise wind data useful for planning and execution.

Near Whitegate

Whitegate is in Co. Cork, one of 32 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are Roches Point (5 km), Cork Airport EICK (METAR) (18 km) and Cork Airport (18 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Woodhouse Wind Farm, about 51 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Whitegate

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