How to Check Wind Speed

If you're planning on doing something outside, knowing the wind speed can be just as important as knowing temperature or precipitation conditions. If the wind is strong, for example, it can lower the relative temperature by several degrees -- and, if you're having an outdoor party or wedding, it may actually blow your decorations off the table. Regardless of why you need to know the wind speed, you can use any of several means to find out what it is.

Things You'll Need

• Wind sock (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase a windsock or, if you don't have the desire or means to do so, find a friend who has a windsock and observe the way it's behaving. If the wind is blowing strongly in any direction, it will fill the windsock, which will then point in a horizontal direction. Although for the majority of windsocks this will tell you only the relative speed of the wind, it will still give you an idea of whether or not it's appropriate to be outside.

• 2

  Look up the current weather conditions for your city or region online -- the resulting forecast will include wind speed and direction. Point your browser to Weather.com and enter your five-digit ZIP code or the name of your city.

• 3

  Call the National Weather Service to receive your forecast by phone if you're away from the computer or simply don't feel like using one. Click the link listed in Resources to view a listing of area-specific phone numbers you can call to listen to a pre-recorded weather forecast, which will include wind speed.