windy

Windy is an adjective describing weather conditions in which the wind is noticeably strong, with sustained winds and frequent gusts that can influence activities, safety, and comfort. In meteorology, wind is described by speed and direction, often using the Beaufort scale, which ranges from calm to hurricane. Descriptions such as windy typically refer to winds in the moderate to strong range and accompanying gusts.

Windy conditions arise from atmospheric pressure differences that drive air from high pressure to low pressure. Fronts, low-pressure systems, jet streams, and geographic features such as coasts, mountains, and urban areas can amplify wind. Local patterns include sea and land breezes, downslope winds, and canyon or valley flows.

Wind is measured with devices such as anemometers and reported as sustained speed, gusts, and direction. Wind variability includes gusts, wind shear, and rapidly changing conditions, especially near weather fronts or storms.

The effects of wind include impacts on transportation (air, road, and marine travel), construction and architecture (design to resist wind loads), agriculture (evaporation and physical stress on crops), and daily life (comfort and safety). Wind energy uses turbines to convert kinetic energy into electricity and is a major renewable resource in many regions.

Safety considerations for windy conditions include securing loose objects, adjusting outdoor activities, and following weather advisories. In culture, the term windy also appears in place names and nicknames, such as the Windy City referring to Chicago, though that usage is informal.