Wind Speed & Gusts: What the Forecast Means and How to Stay Safe

Wind is an often-underestimated weather factor. It not only affects how cold we feel but can also become a serious hazard above a certain strength. Understanding the terms wind speed and wind gusts allows you to better assess risks and take the right precautions.

Wind Speed vs. Wind Gusts

In a weather forecast, you will often find two values for the wind:

• Wind Speed: This is the average wind speed over a specific period (e.g., 10 minutes). It describes the "base wind."
• Wind Gusts (or Peak Gusts): These are short-term but significantly stronger bursts of wind. The danger often comes from these gusts, as they can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. An average wind speed of 40 km/h might sound harmless, but if gusts of 70 km/h are forecast, it becomes dangerous.

Always pay attention to the wind gust value in your planning!

The Beaufort Scale: Understanding Wind Strengths Easily

The Beaufort scale is a good way to make the effects of wind speeds tangible:

• Force 4-5 (approx. 20-38 km/h): Moderate to Fresh Breeze. Twigs move, loose paper is blown about. Cycling against the wind becomes strenuous.
• Force 6-7 (approx. 39-61 km/h): Strong to High Wind. Large branches move, walking is difficult, umbrellas are hard to hold. Be careful when cycling!
• Force 8 (from 62 km/h): Gale. Smaller branches can break off trees. Being outdoors becomes uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
• Force 9+ (from 75 km/h): Severe Gale/Storm-force Gusts. Damage to houses (e.g., roof tiles) can occur, trees can be uprooted. Avoid being outdoors, especially in forests and parks.

Safety Tips for Storm Warnings (from Force 8)

At Home:

• Secure all loose objects outdoors: garden furniture, trash cans, sun umbrellas, trampolines.
• Close all windows, doors, and roof hatches securely.
• Do not park your car under old, large trees.

On the Go:

• Avoid forests and parks! Falling branches are the greatest danger.
• Keep a distance from buildings, scaffolding, and power lines.
• In the car: Drive slowly and with both hands on the steering wheel. Be prepared for sudden cross-gusts on bridges, in forest clearings, or when overtaking trucks. Do not drive through flooded streets.
• As a pedestrian or cyclist: If possible, postpone your journey or seek shelter in a building until the storm subsides.

Where to Find the Wind Forecast?

In our app, you will find the expected average wind speed and the maximum wind gusts for your location prominently on the "Today" page. The wind direction is also displayed, which is particularly useful for cyclists, sailors, or kite flyers. In case of official storm warnings, a highly visible warning notice will also appear.