The difference between the gusts of wind and the measurement of wind intensity With the Beaufort Scale he attempts to clarify with his post on X the former EMY Director, Theodoris Kolydas.
As the Beaufort Scale points out “for average wind intensity In a specified period of time » While “gusts are instant maximum values duration of a few seconds” and “usually is 20–40% stronger than average intensity”. All Thodoris Kolydas’ post For the intensity and gusts of winds
Winds of the wind and scales BOFF
✔️ The winding of the winds of the wind With the Beaufort scale It is wrong because the scale itself is not designed for gusts, but for the average wind intensity over a specified period of time.
✔️ The Beaufort Scale was created Initially for sailors in the 19th century to describe the average intensity of the wind (usually average 10 minutes). Its steps (0–12) correspond to a medium -speed range and specific indications on the surface of the sea or land.
Example:
6 beaufort = average intensity 10.8–13.8 m/s (~ 39–49 km/h).
8 beaufort = average intensity 17.2–20.7 m/s (~ 62–74 km/h).
Gusts are instant maximum values lasting a few seconds. It is usually 20–40% stronger than average intensity. If we take the gusts and convert them to beaufort, it will always be a higher price than the actual average intensity.
Example: If the average intensity is 6 beaufort (45 km/h), the gusts can reach 8 beaufort (70 km/h), but the prognosis and characterization of the wind is based on 6 BOFO
Report “8 Beaufort” while in fact the average tension is 6 beaufort creates confusion to the public.
✔️ International Meteorological Services, including EMY and WMO, They give predictions to Beaufort only for average intensity. In navigation, the beaufort indicator is used operational (eg prohibitive departure) for average intensity only.
✔️ What is the correct practice
Average intensity → Beaufort scale.
Burns → Reference to KM/H or M/s (eg “Thinks up to 75 km/h”), No converting to beaufort. So there is a clear distinction: “Wind 6 beaufort with pumps up to 75 km/h” → clear image for everyone.
Conclusion: The Beaufort Scale is an average laboratory, not a “instant radar”. If we use it for gusts, we distort the actual intensity of the wind and give a misleading image of the conditions.
Winds of wind and scale beach.
The measurement of wind gusts on the beaufort scale is wrong because the scale itself is not designed for gusts, but for the average intensity of the wind over a specific period of time.
The Beaufort Scale was originally created for… pic.twitter.com/mHw8ssg39f– Theodoros Kolydas (@kolydast) August 8, 2025