Th. Kolydas: The difference between wind gusts and the Beaufort scale

The former director of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), Theodoros Kolydas, clarifies the difference between wind gusts and the measurement of wind intensity using the Beaufort scale in a post on X.

As he explains, measuring wind gusts with the Beaufort scale is incorrect, as the Beaufort scale is designed for the average wind intensity over a specific period and not for gusts.

The Beaufort scale was originally created for sailors in the 19th century to describe the average wind intensity (usually a 10-minute average). Its grades (0–12) correspond to a range of average speeds and specific indications on the sea surface or on land.

Gusts are instantaneous maximum values lasting a few seconds, usually 20–40% stronger than the average intensity. Converting gusts to Beaufort results in a higher value than the actual average intensity.

Theodoros Kolydas emphasizes that international meteorological services, including EMY and WMO, provide forecasts in Beaufort only for average intensity. In navigation, the Beaufort scale is used operationally only for average intensity (e.g., port departure bans).

The correct practice is to report the average intensity on the Beaufort scale, while gusts should be reported in km/h or m/s, without converting to Beaufort. For example: "Wind 6 Beaufort with gusts up to 75 km/h."

In conclusion, the Beaufort scale is an average tool and not an "instant radar." Using it for gusts distorts the actual wind intensity.