Wind Barb Interpretation.

[Dan Tandberg]

NOAA uses wind barbs to display wind direction and speed on surface weather maps, where the barb's tail points in the direction the wind is blowing from. Wind speed is shown in knots (kts) by combining a circle (calm), a half-line (5 kts), a full line (10 kts), and a shaded flag or pennant (50 kts) on the tail of the barb. The barb's total speed is found by adding the values of all its components. [1, 2, 3]

Interpreting a Wind Barb

• Wind Direction: The barb's tail points towards the direction the wind is coming from. [2, 3]
• Wind Speed (in knots):
  • Calm: A large circle drawn over the station symbol indicates calm winds. [1, 2]
  • Half-Line: A short, half-line on the tail signifies 5 knots (kts). [1, 3]
  • Full Line: A long, full line on the tail signifies 10 knots (kts). [1, 3]
  • Flag/Pennant: A large, shaded triangle (a flag or pennant) on the tail signifies 50 knots (kts). [2, 3]
• Calculating Total Speed: Add the value of the flags, full lines, and half-lines present on the barb to get the wind speed. For example, one full line and one half-line would indicate 15 knots (10 + 5 kts). [1, 2, 3, 4]

Where to Find More Information

• NOAA's JetStream Max website provides a detailed explanation and graphic examples of wind symbols. [1, 5]
• NOAA's Weather Prediction Center provides information on station model symbols, including wind barbs. [2, 6]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/wxmaps-max/jetstream-max-surface-weather-plot-symbols

[2] https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/html/stationplot.shtml

[3] https://a.atmos.washington.edu/wrfrt/descript/definitions/windbarbs.html

[4] https://www.e-education.psu.edu/meteo101/node/2239

[5] https://aviationweather.gov/gfa/help/

[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbXJGg4XKJA

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