Wind forecast Whitehead today

Wind in Whitehead right now

Meteogram and wind rose for Whitehead

Next 48 hours, hour by hour

Mean wind through the next 48 hours runs between 3 and 22 km/h (2 to 14 mph), mostly from the SW. The strongest gust is 42 km/h (26 mph) at Mon 13:00. 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 52 km/h (32 mph). The calmest is Tue 6/10, gusts to 22 km/h (14 mph). Later days are less certain than the first two: the further out, the more the models can disagree.

What the wind does in Whitehead

Whitehead, or An Cionn Bán, is situated on the coast of County Antrim. The wind patterns here are influenced by its coastal location and the broader regional climate of Ulster. As with most coastal areas in Ireland, wind speeds tend to be higher than inland locations. Gusts, which are short, sudden increases in wind speed, will typically exceed the mean wind speed. The strongest winds in the county generally occur during winter, predominantly from south-westerly and north-westerly directions, associated with Atlantic depressions. The Wind Agent provides current wind measurements for Whitehead, alongside a 48-hour table and 7-day gust forecasts, offering a precise view of local wind conditions.

Seasonal pattern

The seasonal wind pattern in Whitehead generally follows that of County Antrim and wider Northern Ireland. Winter months typically experience the strongest winds, often driven by south-westerly and north-westerly airflows. These periods are characterised by more frequent and intense Atlantic depressions. During summer, wind speeds generally decrease. However, coastal locations like Whitehead can experience a sea breeze effect on warm, sunny afternoons, where cooler air from the sea moves inland, creating a localised increase in wind speed. The overall coastal mean 10 m wind speed in County Antrim is approximately 5.5-7.5 m/s, with inland areas experiencing around 4-5.5 m/s.

Exposure and shelter

Whitehead's coastal position means it is generally exposed to winds from the sea. The degree of exposure can vary depending on the specific direction of the wind and local topography. While the north coast of County Antrim is noted for its exposure, and Belfast Lough is partly sheltered, Whitehead's exact exposure will depend on its immediate surroundings. Shelter can be found in the lee of hills or substantial buildings, where wind flow is disrupted. However, the open aspect of the coastline generally means less shelter from prevailing winds. Coastal stations and offshore buoys in the region can provide an early indication of approaching fronts, often leading interior locations by several hours.

Local uses of the wind forecast

Precise wind information is valuable for several activities in and around Whitehead. For the tourism sector, understanding wind conditions is important for planning outdoor activities along the coast. The ports and shipping industry, including nearby Carrickfergus Marina and Larne Harbour, relies on accurate wind data for navigation and operations. Farmers in the agri-food sector use wind forecasts for tasks such as spraying and timing silage cuts. Individuals involved in walking or other outdoor pursuits can use the forecast to prepare for wind chill and changing conditions. For those engaged in sea-based activities, wind speed and direction are critical for planning and operational considerations.

Near Whitehead

Whitehead is in Co. Antrim, one of 26 towns we publish for the county. The nearest observing stations are George Best Belfast City Airport EGAC (METAR) (18 km), Belfast International Airport EGAA (METAR) (34 km) and City of Derry Airport EGAE (METAR) (98 km). The closest wind farm in our guide is Altahullion Wind Farm, about 79 km away.

Nearest spots

Questions about wind in Whitehead

Go deeper

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