What does the term "gust" refer to in wind measurement?

The term "gust" in wind measurement refers specifically to a brief increase in wind speed. This phenomenon occurs when the wind speed rises significantly above the average or sustained wind speed for a short duration, typically lasting seconds. Gusts are important indicators of atmospheric conditions, as they can contribute to turbulence and affect various activities such as aviation, maritime operations, and outdoor events.

Understanding this term is crucial for interpreting weather observations, as gusts can be indicative of changing weather patterns and can help forecasters assess potential impacts on the environment and human activities. In contrast, the other options describe different wind characteristics that do not align with the definition of gusts—for instance, a sustained decrease in wind speed does not convey an increase, and a steady wind speed indicates uniform conditions rather than change.