Wind gust forecasts

AloftWalt

Does anyone know why the various models are routinely forecasting wind gusts significantly higher than the wind speed. By significantly, I mean 3-4X or greater than the wind speed. This is very significant to balloonists.

AloftWalt

@aloftwalt This is for the eastern United States where I’m currently flying.

idefix37

@aloftwalt

Wind is the averaged speed during 10 minutes (or 2 minutes in some cases) while Gusts are the maximum during less than 3 seconds.
So it is normal to have the gusts much higher than the average wind.

AloftWalt

@idefix37 Thank you for your reply. Is what you are telling me how the actual wind speed and gusts are reported? I’m curious about how the forecast gusts are computed. I’m not sure how to attach a screen shot from an IPad or I’d show you where my concern is. I’ll keep trying to figure how to attach a screen shot here.

idefix37

@aloftwalt

To show a screenshot:

AloftWalt

@idefix37 Thank You. I tried to attach a 400kb file to no avail. I get an error in a red box in the lower right hand corner as it tries to attach the image.

AloftWalt

@aloftwalt I took a screen shot of the error message but of course can’t attach it either. I also get a message that as a new user I can’t submit a message or reply until after 120 seconds have elapsed.

idefix37

@aloftwalt
Additional information about gusts forecasting by weather models:
https://community.windy.com/topic/6526/how-to-forecast-gust-wind