Understanding Wind Speed: Beaufort Scale and Weather Terms
Decode weather forecasts by understanding wind speed classifications, the Beaufort scale, and storm categories.
The Beaufort Scale
The Beaufort Wind Scale was developed in 1805 by Sir Francis Beaufort, a Royal Navy officer who needed a standardized way to describe wind conditions at sea. The scale runs from Force 0 (calm, less than 1 mph) to Force 12 (hurricane, 74 mph and above).
Understanding Weather Advisory Terms
Weather services issue wind-related warnings and advisories using specific terminology that indicates severity.
Converting Between Wind Speed Units
Wind speed is reported in different units depending on the context and country.
Example: A 'gentle breeze' at 10 mph = 16 km/h = 8.7 knots = 4.5 m/s.