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05.03.2021
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Wind - interesting facts and advice for tourists

How is wind created?

Air over land heats up faster than air over water. Therefore, during the day, the wind mainly flows from above the water surface towards the land. During the night, the entire exchange turns towards the land.

Wind also occurs in the mountains in a similar way. The sun's rays will heat the rocks according to their slope and especially on the southern sides faster than, for example, areas with forest cover. Warmer air begins to rise. Cooler air from the valley fills its place. What can contribute to the formation of clouds at noon.

How does the wind affect a person?

It is a well-known fact that the wind lowers the temperature. The temperature we feel on the surface of the body is very significantly affected by the air flow. It's called the Wind Chill Effect.

Our body creates a thin layer of heated air on the surface. If we do not protect ourselves enough with suitable clothing, the wind will quickly cool this layer. And our body perceives this as a significant drop in temperature.

For example, with a wind speed of around 10 km/h and a temperature of 14°C, you can only feel a temperature of 12°C. With a wind speed of 20 km/h and a temperature of around 0°C, you will already feel a freezing -10°C.

How to prepare for the wind?

Before your planned journey, note in the weather forecast not only the probability of precipitation or temperature, but also the expected wind strength. If you do not yet have the necessary experience, this Beaufort wind speed scale (source: internet) will help you.

Type of wind from km/h to km/h s/m Note
Windless Calm 0 1 0 smoke rises up
Breeze Light air 1 5 0.3-1.5 light smoke movement
Light wind Light breeze 6 11 1.6-3.3 weak leaf movement, wind can be felt by feeling
Moderate wind Gentle breeze 12 19 3.4-5.4 rustle of leaves, wind can be felt in the face
Quite fresh wind Moderate breeze 20 28 5.5-7.9 moves leafless branches, unpleasant in the face
Fresh wind Fresh breeze 29 38 8-10.7 audible on houses, roaring in deciduous forests
Strong wind Strong breeze 39 49 10.8-13.8 moves large branches, makes movement uncomfortable
Strong wind High wind,Moderate gale 50 61 13.9-17.1 moves whole trees, movement against the wind is difficult
Stormy wind Gale, Fresh gale 62 74 17.2-20.7 breaking branches, walking against the wind is impossible
Stormstorm Strong gale 75 88 20.8-24.4 minor damage to buildings, movement dangerous
Strong gale Storm, Whole gale 89 102 24.5-28.4 uprooting whole trees, movement dangerous
Massive gale Violent storm 103 117 28.5-32.6 wide forest upheaval
Hurricane Hurricane 117 a more 32.7 destructive effects on forest cover, dwellings and infrastructure
Beaufort wind speed scale

At a speed of 40 km/h we are already talking about strong wind and from 50 km/h the wind significantly limits movement.  A strong gust of wind reduces your mobility, reduces visibility, exhausts muscles and increases the risk of falling, losing orientation or equipment.

Precautionary measures

  • Watch the weather in the place where you want to go.
  • If part of the hike leads through forests and the forecast indicates a wind with a force of more than 40 km/h, consider the risk of danger by falling branches from trees. Especially consider the risk of crossing marginal parts of forests or monocultures disturbed by mining.
  • On the maps, note whether there are tourist shelters on the route.
  • If the weather does not improve, it is better to change the destination or simply postpone the hike.
  • Always adjust the difficulty of the hike to the friend with the least performance, experience or quality equipment.
  • Always prepare for worse conditions than what the weather forecast indicates.
  • Go on a hike early in the morning - the weather is more stable in the afternoon.
  • Take care of the right clothes and equipment.
  • Don't forget insurance and a first aid kit.

How to face the wind in terrain?

  • At signs of stronger winds, consider turning back or seek safe shelter as the situation develops.
  • Pack your equipment and check its fastenings.
  • Wear windproof clothing over breathable and wet clothing.
  • Secure hood.
  • If the terrain allows, choose to move downwind.
  • Use natural windbreaks when moving.
  • Use clubs when moving.

Current weather information and current wind warnings can be found HERE:

For the territory of SR: www.hzs.sk, or www.shmu.sk
For the territory CR: www.horskasluzba.cz or application ČHMÚ
For the territory Alp: www.wetter.com | www.alpin.de | www.alpenverein.de |  www.alpenverein.at
or MeteoSwiss application. Download application: www.yr.no

Wind records

  • Highest speed measured in the world: 484 km/h measured a tornado between the cities of Oklahoma and Moore, USA, 3/5/1999.
  • Highest speed measured by an anemometer: 407 km/h, Barrow Island, Australia, 10/04/1996.
  • Highest average speed in the world during 24 hours: 174 km/h, Port Martin, Antarctica, 21/03/1951.
  • Highest speed measured in the Czech Republic: 216 km/h, Snežka, 18.1.2007
  • Windiest place in the Czech Republic: average annual speed 30.6 km/h, Milešovka.
  • Highest speed measured in Slovakia: 283 km/h, Skalnaté Pleso, 29.11.1965.
  • Windiest place in Slovakia: average annual speed 36 km/h, Chopok

Our recommendations are based on personal experience, recommendations from HZS or HS authorities, or the Alpenverein. However, preparation and correct responses in the field are a matter of more factors and experience. The article is therefore intended for beginners and moderately advanced tourists.

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