Wind speed facts for kids
Wind speed is how fast the air moves from one place to another. When we talk about wind speed, we usually mean the air moving outside. But knowing how fast air moves inside is also important. This helps with weather forecasts, flying aircraft (planes), and even building things.
Very strong winds can cause problems. They have special names like gales, hurricanes, and typhoons. The fastest wind speed ever measured on Earth was 253 miles per hour. This happened on Barrow Island, Australia.
How We Measure Wind Speed
Measuring wind speed helps us understand the weather. There are different ways to do it.
Using the Beaufort Scale
One simple way to guess wind speed is by looking at what the wind is doing outside. This is called the Beaufort scale. For example, if small waves appear on water, it's a certain wind speed. If trees are swaying, it's a stronger wind. This method is not super exact, but it gives a good idea. Each number on the scale covers a range of wind speeds. For instance, a "3" on the scale means the wind is blowing between seven and ten knots.
Using an Anemometer
The most common tool for measuring wind speed is an anemometer. This device usually has cups that spin around when the wind blows. The faster the cups spin, the faster the wind is moving. Anemometers are often part of a weather station.
Images for kids
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An anemometer is commonly used to measure wind speed.
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The original anemometer that measured The Big Wind in 1934 at Mount Washington Observatory.
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A modern anemometer used to capture wind speed.
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An anemometer on an outdoor stage set, used to measure wind speed.
