Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
I have an informal system for estimating wind speed and direction:
Originally Posted by
Jim fromBoston
On my Excell spreadsheet I track:...
- Wind speed and direction: Either as recorded on a weather station, or on a personal 1 to 6 scale (headwind / tailwind) based on flying flags; to explain variations in average speed...
Originally Posted by
Troul
x2 using the beaufort scale
Originally Posted by
DrIsotope
The problem with the Beaufort Scale is that in cycling terms, everything above a 2 sucks. If you're on a sailboat, you might be fine with a 4 or a 5. I like some Light Air.
I do like the hardman factor of it, though. Sustained 31mph is a "strong breeze."
Originally Posted by
kbarch
Jim's 1-6 scale reminded me of the Beaufort scale, which goes to 12 (for hurricanes) - and
I suspect the numbers are fairly close, seeing how a 6 on the Beaufort scale is a "strong breeze" of 25-31 mph.
It isn't until you get to an 8 or a gale that twigs get snapped off and progress gets generally impeded.
I always liked the description of 5 on the Beaufort scale: Fresh Breeze. Sounds nice, but at 19-24 mph, above most cyclists' comfort range. Seems like many cyclists start to be dissuaded when there's anything more than a Gentle Breeze.
I think a I – 12 scale is too finely divided for such a subjective assessment, and as [MENTION=400231]DrIsotope[/MENTION] and [MENTION=383563]kbarch[/MENTION] note, the Beaufort scale is practicably excessive over about “5.”In actuality,
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
My idea of a 1 to 6 scale of wind phenomena (waving flags) to guage wind force (speed) is based on the formalized Beaufort Wind Force Scale
The Beaufort scale is from 1 (calm) to 12 (hurricane force) and the determination of the scale number is based on defined observations of phenomena such as rising smoke; papers, dust and debris on the ground; wave heights; flags; umbrellas unfurling, etc…and my personal 1 to 6 scale is a handy way to make that assessment en route.
BTW, I have found a semi-quantitative scale of 1 to 6 a pretty suitable estimation for wind speed; I also use such a scale to evaluate my levels of dress by temperature increments. I picked it up on a whitewater rafting trip when I learned the difficulty of rivers is determined as 1 to 6.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 10-04-18 at 08:36 PM.