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The wind speed graph shows both the average and gust wind speed. The sampling interval for the gust reading is 5 seconds and for the average reading 1 minute.
The left hand axis is mph and the right hand is Beaufort Scale. The Beaufort scale only applies to the average speed of the wind, gust speeds should use a proper speed unit, mph, knots etc. See below for a description of the Beaufort Scale.
If the wind speed is less than about 2.5mph it is below the measuring range of the instrumentation. This produces the blank band in the graphs just above zero.
During the winter prolonged periods with no apparent wind might be due to the anemometer being frozen. Check the external temperature.
| Beaufort Scale | |||
| Beaufort | MPH | Description | Effects |
| 0 | 0 | Calm | Smoke rises vertically. |
| 1 | 1 - 3 | Light Air |
Smoke will show a slight direction. A wind vane will not move. |
| 2 | 4 - 7 | Light Breeze |
You will feel a breeze on your face. Smoke has a definite direction. Leaves move a bit. A wind vane will move. |
| 3 | 8 - 12 | Gentle Breeze |
Leaves will be in constant motion. Small twigs move. Flags extend. |
| 4 | 13 - 18 | Moderate Breeze |
Dust puffs blow. Loose paper flies. 1/2 to 1 inch branches move. |
| 5 | 19 - 24 | Fresh Breeze |
Small leafy trees sway. Small waves form on ponds and lakes. Flags whip. |
| 6 | 25 - 31 | Strong Breeze |
4 inch and larger branches moving. Telephone, power lines whistle. |
| 7 | 32 - 38 | Near Gale |
Large, whole trees in motion. Becomes hard to walk totally upright against the wind. Shingles begin to lift. |
| 8 | 39 - 46 | Gale |
Green twigs begin to break off. You may have to lean into wind to walk. Shingles flap violently. |
| 9 | 47 - 54 | Severe Gale |
3 inch or larger green branches break. Chimneys and shingles begin to tear off. TV antenna masts bend and antennas are broken. |
| 10 | 55 - 63 | Storm |
Trees begin to uproot. Structural damage starts getting serious. Large sections of roofs and roofing tear off and fly. Some mobile homes begin to suffer damage. Walking nearly impossible. |
| 11 | 64 - 72 | Violent Storm |
Structural damage widespread and major. Mobile homes are displaced and skins peel. Entire roofs blow off and windows blow in. |
| 12 | 72+ | Hurricane | Now into the realms of tornadoes and the S1 to S5 tornado ratings. |
| Howhill Weather - Graphs |
 This page is standards compliant |
Updated: Mon 28 Mar 2005, 21:08 UTC |