A high temperate latitude and close proximity to a large ocean on its westerly side means that the United Kingdom is a windy place.

The prevailing wind in the United Kingdom is from the south west but in such a changeable climate it may blow from any direction for sustained periods of time. Winds are strongest near westerly facing coasts and inland areas where there is little topography, such as mountains, to divert the wind.

Gales (which are defined as winds with speeds of 32 to 63 miles per hour) are strongly associated with the passage of deep depressions across or close to the United Kingdom, and both are most frequent in the winter. The Hebrides experience on average 35 days of gale a year (a day where there are gale force winds) while more inland areas in England and Wales receive less than 5 days of gale a year.

Areas of high elevation tend to have higher wind speeds than low elevations, and Great Dun Fell in Cumbria (at 857 meters) averaged 114 days of gale a year during the period 1963 to 1976.

Highest gust recorded at a low level: 103 knots (118 mph, 191 km/h) at Gwennap Head (Cornwall) on 15 December 1979.

< Previous page    Next page >

Page 1 - Introduction / Overview
Page 2 - Seasons
Page 3 - Regions
Page 4 - Sunshine & Clouds
Page 5 - The Atlantic Ocean
Page 6 - Winds (Current page)
Page 7 - Rainfall
Page 8 - Temperature
Page 9 - Severe weather
Page 10 - Climate history

• Back to 'Countryside'.