Mean Wind

Mean wind is the average wind speed and direction over a specified time period at a given location. In aviation meteorology, mean wind is used in forecasting and analysis to represent the general wind flow, filtering out short-term gusts and variations. It forms the basis for wind roses and long-range climatological wind data.

Mean Wind in Forecasting

TAFs use mean wind (averaged over 10 minutes) as the primary wind parameter. Gusts are separately reported when they exceed the mean wind speed by 10 knots or more. En route wind forecasts (GFAs, upper wind charts) represent mean wind conditions at forecast altitudes, which pilots use for flight planning and groundspeed calculations.

Related Terms

See also: Now Wind, Groundspeed.