What must be observed for a wind direction shift to be registered?

What must be observed for a wind direction shift to be registered?

• A. A significant speed drop
• B. A duration of at least 5 minutes
• C. A shift of at least 45 degrees
• D. A decline in temperature

Answer: (C)

A wind direction shift is recognized when there is a change of at least 45 degrees. This threshold is important because smaller shifts might not significantly impact the weather conditions being observed and could just represent minor variations or gusts rather than a genuine, sustained change in wind direction. The 45-degree criterion ensures that only meaningful shifts are noted for weather observations, which can be critical for forecasting and understanding weather patterns. In contrast, options relating to speed drops, duration, or temperature changes do not specifically pertain to the measure of wind direction itself. A wind speed drop or temperature decline might accompany or follow a wind direction shift but are not necessary conditions for recognizing that a shift has occurred. The timeframe of 5 minutes may also relate to the persistence of the observed wind direction but does not define the magnitude of the shift.

A wind direction shift is recognized when there is a change of at least 45 degrees. This threshold is important because smaller shifts might not significantly impact the weather conditions being observed and could just represent minor variations or gusts rather than a genuine, sustained change in wind direction. The 45-degree criterion ensures that only meaningful shifts are noted for weather observations, which can be critical for forecasting and understanding weather patterns.

In contrast, options relating to speed drops, duration, or temperature changes do not specifically pertain to the measure of wind direction itself. A wind speed drop or temperature decline might accompany or follow a wind direction shift but are not necessary conditions for recognizing that a shift has occurred. The timeframe of 5 minutes may also relate to the persistence of the observed wind direction but does not define the magnitude of the shift.