Beaufort Scale (2024)

FAQs

What is Beaufort scale short answer? ›

The Beaufort scale, officially known as the Beaufort wind force scale, is a descriptive table. It depicts the force of wind by a series of numbers, typically from 0 to 12. The Beaufort scale goes all the way to 17, but the last five numbers only apply to tropical typhoons.

The formula for calculating wind on the Beaufort wind force scale is the following: v = 0.836 B^3/2 m/s. Where: V is the wind speed at 10 meters above the sea (by the way, this is the standard height for all wind measurements). B is the Beaufort scale number.

The Beaufort scale is still used today to estimate wind strengths.

When winds exceed 15 mph, its usually bordering on the unpleasant. The winds make it difficult to read, your umbrella might fly off, chairs might be carried away and the sand can be kicked up by the wind, becoming a hazard if it gets into your eyes. Winds below 15 mph can still affect various beach activities.

8-12 Mph 12-19 kph 7-10 knots Gentle Breeze Leaves and small twigs move, light weight flags extend. Large wavelets, crests start to break, some whitecaps. 13-18 Mph 20-28 kph 11-16 knots Moderate Breeze Small branches move, raises dust, leaves and paper. Small waves develop, becoming longer, whitecaps.

According to the scale presented below (see “Perspective”), winds of less than 54mph will cause a range of damage, whereas wind speeds of 55-63 mph will uproot and make trees fall. Meanwhile, gusts of only 20 mph are capable of causing damage to buildings or structures.

According to the good old Beaufort wind scale, 19 to 24 mph is a “Fresh Breeze” and a '5' on the scale. It's officially described as “Small trees in leaf begin to sway; crested wavelets form on inland waters.”

As a rule of thumb, winds forecasted to be at any speed above 25 mph are not ideal for driving. Anything above 30 mph should serve as a warning not to drive due to dangerous conditions.

Is a 22 mph wind strong? ›

"Windy" conditions. Sustained wind speeds of 21 to 25 mph, or frequent wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph. " A Very Low Threat to Life and Property from High Wind." "Breezy" to "Windy" conditions.

Attempting to walk in 60-70mph winds is dangerous, and there is a high risk of being blown over and suffering injury. Stay away from difficult underfoot conditions or exposed edges and get off the hill as soon as possible.

At ten knots, the surface can become choppy, which is usually OK for inshore boating. However, conditions start to get rough from fifteen knots or more, so unless you've got a very big boat, it's best to avoid heading out!

What is the Beaufort Scale? The Beaufort Scale is a scale for measuring wind speeds based on the effect the wind has on the land or sea. The scale ranges from force 0 (calm), to force 12 (hurricane).

US Popularity:9662. Origin:French. Meaning:The beautiful fort. If you are looking to give baby a name steeped in history, consider Beaufort! A masculine name of French origin, Beaufort means “beautiful fort,” and was first seen in the 14th century.

7. Sea heaps up and white foam from breaking waves begins to be blown in streaks along the direction of wind. Necessary to lean slightly into the wind to maintain balance. Smoke rises at about 5 to 10 deg.

Nevertheless, it is still useful in estimating the wind characteristics over a large area, and it may be used to estimate the wind where there are no wind instruments. The Beaufort scale also can be used to measure and describe the effects of different wind velocities on objects on land or at sea.