When is wind direction considered variable?

Wind direction is considered variable when the wind direction shows significant fluctuations during a specific observation period. According to meteorological standards, if the direction varies by 60 degrees or more over a 2-minute period while the wind speed is greater than 6 knots, it indicates that the wind is not stable and is indeed changing direction significantly.

This measurement is important because variable wind can impact weather systems, aviation, and other environmental conditions. A considerable variation in wind direction, especially in a relatively short time frame and with a moderate to strong wind speed, signifies that the local atmospheric conditions are dynamic and can lead to changes in weather patterns.

For example, a meteorological observation showing variable winds may suggest the influence of nearby weather systems or local geographic features causing turbulent air movement. In contrast, when the wind speed is low or the direction changes only slightly, these factors may indicate stable atmospheric conditions rather than variability.