About Forecast Wind

Introduction

The wind forecasts are generated automatically by computer models and updated twice a day at around 8 am and 8 pm EST. The 'Day 1' wind forecast is from the Bureau of Meteorology's high resolution weather forecast model. The 'Days 2 - 7' wind forecasts are based on data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

Forecast wind

The forecast wind speed and direction is presented on a national colour coded map that can be clicked to link to state and territory views and northern and southern area maps for the larger states. The wind speed is indicated by the colours shown in the legend, as well as by the arrow size. Wind direction is indicated by the arrow direction. The start of the arrow is the direction that the wind is blowing from. The arrow point shows the direction the wind is blowing to. For example an arrow pointing upwards is blowing from the South to the North.

The Day 1 wind forecast maps can be animated by using the controls above the image. Animation controls enable play, stop, step forward, step back and animation speed buttons, as well as a button that can be dragged with your mouse, to control the sequence. These maps are in 3 hourly intervals.

Wind forecast maps from Day 2, up to 7 days ahead are available in 6 hourly intervals. The animation feature is not available for the 7 day forecast due to the large number of images. Use the 'Earlier' or 'Later' buttons to step through the forecast.
The forecast time and date is below the maps, as well as the time of issue and the next routine forecast update. Australian Eastern Standard Time (EST) is used for the national map. State and territory maps use local times.

How good are the wind forecasts?

The most recent forecasts are more accurate so it is important to review the forecasts regularly. In particular check forecasts from days 4 - 7 as they may change significantly.

These wind forecasts should be used together with the Bureau's Forecast and Warning Service. They may not always reflect official forecasts, especially in the vicinity of weather fronts, tropical cyclones or in rapidly changing weather conditions. These wind forecasts are intended to be used as guidance only and have not been quality controlled by forecasters.

Wind speed

Many activities are impacted by the wind. White areas indicate lower wind speeds, and the darker areas indicate the higher wind speeds. The wind forecasts are for average wind speeds at the standard 10 metres above ground level therefore some care should be taken when using these forecasts for very sensitive activities such as spraying or fire management.

Wind speeds usually increase with height above the ground or sea-surface.

Wind gusts

Gusts are increases in wind speed lasting for just a few seconds. The speeds are typically 30 to 50 per cent higher than the average wind speed, but stronger gusts are likely in the vicinity of showers, thunderstorms and frontal systems.

Forecast models

The computer models used to create the wind forecasts are:

• Day 1 wind forecasts: Based on data from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology Limited Area Prediction System (LAPS) high resolution model on a 12.5 kilometre grid.
• Days 2 - 7 wind forecasts: Based on data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast model on a 55 kilometre grid.

More about numerical models

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