What type of altitude is used for the wind?

Hecky

I have the same question that rjeff already asked a while ago (but which I didn't find to be answered, yet):
In case of e.g. wind, what does the height mean exactly. I understood that ground level means 10m above ground and other heights use sea level as reference.
But:
What if I am looking for wind data in the mountains? In that case you also provide wind data for e.g. 100m (above sea level) which is below the ground.
I feel, as long as surface height is not reached, there should be empty spots on the map.

I'd be greatful for your response!
Cheers,
Hecky

TZ

@Hecky 100m layer is also above ground level (above model terrain), it is the same case like 10m level.
Upper layers display values for isobaric surfaces, e.g. 850hPa, not for exact altitude. AMSL value in the tooltip is only approximation.

Ottavs

Still not clear -- So do you mean that when I have "1000 meters" selected for wind altitude, that when I'm looking at an area that is 1,500 meters MSL, the wind strength indication is for 1050 meters MSL in that particular point? (And then it goes to 1000 meters where the terrain slopes below that level?)

Ottavs

Sorry, should have said 1010 meters instead of 1050 meters.

RoCas

@ivo Hey there!
It is not clear yet. I’m monitoring an area 2200ft AMSL and always get confused about the altitudes I select from the moving bar...

What exactly does “surface” mean in this particular case?
And if the elevation of the terrain in the surrounding area is 3000ft (therefore 5200ft AMSL) are we getting their respective “surface” data?
But most important, what does it mean if I choose 330ft or 2000ft charts in these particular examples?
Another similar question could be done when using flight levels...

Thanks in advance for the explanation!

Gkikas LGPZ

@rocas
it may help

https://community.windy.com/topic/5014/windspeed-and-direction-different-heights/2

Q: What exactly does “surface” mean in this particular case?
A: surface means the model's surface that is the average elevation of an area 9x9 km (for ECMWF model) around your location. If the area is smooth, the model's orography is very close to reality. Over mountainous areas the situation is more complex.
Because valleys and mountain peaks are smoothed out by the model orography the direct model output of 10m wind (or 2 m temperature) may represent an altitude significantly different from the real one.

Q: And if the elevation of the terrain in the surrounding area is 3000ft (therefore 5200ft AMSL) are we getting their respective “surface” data?
A: Probably yes. It would be nice if we could know the "reference altitude" for a location (as we know the reference coordinates).

Q: But most important, what does it mean if I choose 330ft or 2000ft charts in these particular examples?
A: You'll have almost the same readout as for surface.

pa58am

@ivo Hello dear.
would you please clarify me?
what is the exact definition of wind gust? and why it is sometimes less than wind speed?
Thanks

Gkikas LGPZ

@pa58am
Wind gust represents a maximum since the previous post-processing.
Thus, gust valid on certain time represents the max. wind during the previous
forecast period (3 hrs for ECMWF).
Example: gust value at 6 o'clock represents max. wind during the period from 3 to 6 o'clock.

For your 2nd question (why it is sometimes less than wind speed?)
please send a screenshot.

simurq

Do you have any plans on sharing weather data/parameters (e.g. wind and temp data) in XML or JSON formats through Windy API? It'll be a nice companion to Leaflet map currently in use.

Thanks and Please keep it up!

daniel keagan

Just to make sure I understand, when I look at an area that is 1,500 meters MSL, the wind strength indicator is for 1050 meters MSL, even though I have "1000 meters" chosen for wind altitude? (And it continues to 1000 meters, where the land drops off below that level?)

mitchvg

@TZ Cheers seems easy, is this right?

Surface (for wind forecast)
+10m
Ground/ terrain (modelled)
-------------------------\ _ /\ _ /\ _ /\ _ Mean Sea Level

KennethAshley

The altitude used for wind measurements is typically the height above ground level, or AGL. This is because the wind speed and direction can vary significantly at different heights, especially in areas with terrain or other obstacles. In aviation, wind information is crucial for safe takeoff and landing, as well as in-flight operations. Pilots rely on data from weather stations, satellites, and other sources to obtain accurate wind forecasts and adjust their flight plans accordingly.