What is the difference between gusts and wind

Winds are created when air flows from a region of high pressure to a region of low pressure. Wind speeds are measured using a device called an anemometer. In other words, they are a flow of gasses trying to get to a condition of equilibrium. About two percent of Sun energy reaching Earth is converted into wind energy. Winds are classified in numerous types depending upon its region of origin, wind speed, effects of the wind, causes of origin, the density of gasses, etc.

They may be classified into gusts, squalls, breeze, or more fierce hurricanes, cyclones, and tornadoes. They can also be classified into planetary and solar winds depending on their origin. Gust and winds are common terminologies that are used by weather reporters which are often deemed the same by common people. However, there is quite some difference between the two such as their origin and causes.

The main difference between gust and wind is that gusts are significantly stronger and abrupt while winds are more constant and their average speed is lower than that of gusts. However, gusts are only short-lived and typically last for about 20 seconds which are then followed by a lull whereas winds can last for hours with occasional shifts.

Wind speed can be measured with an instrument called an anemometer. This instrument is constantly measuring wind speed and those measurements are averaged over a two minute period to calculate the wind speed. This is more specfically called the "sustained wind speed" and is used to measure the strength of storms like hurricanes. For example, a category one hurricane has sustained winds between 74 and 95 miles per hour. When we talk about wind gusts, it gets a little more complicated.

To be called a wind gust, the brief increase in wind has to be over 18 miles per hour and must be at least 10 miles per hour faster than the average wind speed. These sudden bursts in wind speed are often dramatic and are often the culprit for knocking down trees and causing other types of damage. When tracking severe thunderstorms, the wind gust is often referenced, and in truly severe storms, exceeds 60 miles per hour.

Of course this doesn't mean the wind is constantly blowing at the speed. The gust will last generally under 20 seconds. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More. I'll be honest with all of you. I hate wind. It drives me absolutely crazy. For me, it doesn't matter if it's a sustained wind or a gust of wind, it's all the same. But the truth is, there is a very distinct difference between wind and wind gusts.

A sustained wind is defined as the average wind speed over two minutes. A sudden burst in wind speed is called the wind gusts and typically lasts under 20 seconds. An instrument called an anemometer can measure wind speed. This instrument is constantly measuring wind speed and those measurements are averaged over a two-minute period to calculate the wind speed.