What does a "wind rose" show?

A wind rose is a graphical representation commonly used in meteorology to illustrate the frequency and direction of wind at a particular location over a specified period. It displays the various directions from which the wind blows, often using a circular diagram where each segment corresponds to a specific direction, such as north, south, east, or west. The length of each segment represents how often the wind blows from that direction, thus providing both qualitative and quantitative insights into wind behavior.

By understanding the wind rose, one can gain valuable information about the prevailing wind patterns in an area, which is crucial for various applications, including aviation, marine navigation, and urban planning. This information aids in assessing how wind may impact weather systems, air quality, and even local climate conditions. The other options regarding temperature variations, humidity levels, and precipitation forecasts relate to different meteorological concepts and are not represented by a wind rose.