Help! How windy is it going to be tomorrow?

[pinksunsets]

Yes, I'm looking for help on how to read a weather forecast which I should probably know by now! I'm planning a special lunch tomorrow and can't decide whether to do it at a restaurant in inside or outside. Its says it's going to be sunny but with winds of Wind ENE 24 km/h, Gusts 48 km/h - if there are gusts does that mean it's going to be very windy?

To be honest, the 24 km/h wind on its own would be enough for me not to want to be at an outside lunch event, without the 48 km/h gusts added in. That is quite breezy!

Depends how exposed the seating area is and what the actual temperature is forecast to be. I'd probably take a chance and book outside.

2 different opinions - now I'm even more confused! 😆It's going to be 22 degrees tomorrow and the outdoor area is very exposed so nowhere to hide if those gusts are too strong!

Is 24 km/h wind considered strong then? Can you tell I never look at the wind section of the weather forecast?

For info there is something called the Beaufort scale (as heard on shipping forecast) that amongst other things gives a rough idea of what to expect:

24 km/h= “moderate breeze”,……”
“Raises dust and loose paper; small branches moved.”

Gusts to 48 km/h and you are into the top end of strong breeze” …
“Large branches in motion; whistling heard in telegraph wires; umbrellas used with difficulty.

Much above that is “Near Gale”..

Good luck, link to the full scale here:

https://www.rmets.org/metmatters/beaufort-wind-scale

Yeah that'll be windy , stay inside if you dont like breeze!

Oh wow, that does sound windy! I had no idea until now that wind and gust on a forecast were 2 separate things!

Thanks for all your help, everyone!

I had no idea until now that wind and gust on a forecast were 2 separate things!

Yep, there will no doubt be a strict definition somewhere but in general terms the wind speed you see in the forecast is the general, average steady state figure.

Gusts are a sort of extra bit of wind/increment that comes along occasionally and may add to the fun…🤔.

That’s pretty windy. Check again a few hours before. I find Metcheck website most accurate.

Hope you have a lovely day OP.

I believe that translates to "blowing a hooley"

Haha, this is the succinct summary I need!

Thank you!

That's a great explanation, thanks! I always thought wind and gusts were the same thing on forecasts!

My weather forecast is in mph for wind speed. At 25 mph (40kmh) it's windy, at 35mph (56kmh) or above I take the gazebo roof off.
At 24kmh (15mph) it's a nice breeze if it's warm. You might want something on your arms if it's not warm.

Just to add that if wind is coming from the north or east, and you are in the UK, it always feels colder.

@pinksunsets Whereabouts in the country are you?

I'm in London. The forecast keeps changing for tomorrow!

I'm in London. The forecast keeps changing for tomorrow!

If it helps the most recent forecast issued for Heathrow covers up to early evening tomorrow and they are saying easterly wind, no more than about 18 km/h, no gusts, Gatwick is similar

The forecast for London City for tomorrow hasn’t been issued yet.

How strange. I usually find Accuweather the most accurate and they're forecasting strong gusts!