A strong wind suddenly increases from 270° at 15 knots to 32 knots with gusts to 44 knots and persists for 3 minutes before subsiding. How is this reported?

Prepare for the Surface Weather Observer Test with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions including hints and answers. Boost your confidence for success!

In reporting wind conditions, it is essential to include the predominant wind direction and speed along with any gusts experienced. In this scenario, the wind starts from 270° at a steady speed of 15 knots, then increases to 32 knots with gusts reaching up to 44 knots, persisting for at least 3 minutes.

The correct reporting format specifies the sustained wind speed followed by the gust speed, and it's crucial to capture the maximum sustained speed and the maximum gusts during the observed period. Here, the sustained wind speed after the increase is 32 knots, with gusts at 44 knots.

The format for reporting this information is typically in degrees, followed by the sustained wind speed, the gust speed, and the units "KT" for knots.

Therefore, the report includes the sustained wind of 32 knots and the gusts of 44 knots, while maintaining the initial wind direction of 270°. This gives us a complete and accurate representation of the wind condition during the observation period.

The correct format for this report is "27032G44KT", which indicates:

  • 270° is the wind direction,

  • 32 knots is the sustained wind speed,

  • G44 indicates gusts of 44

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy