If I know wind speed at 33 ft elevation, how can I estimate wind speed at higher elevations?

Question

Say, at 66, 99, & 120 ft elevation?

Answer 1

There are meteorological websites that you can go to in order to find out what the winds speeds are at certain altitudes. If you do know the winds at 33ft, the problem your going to have with simply estimating winds above that is the frictional effects of the ground. The higher you get the stronger the winds are going to be, and that is without taking into account the pressure gradients that drive the wind to begin with. Since you are wanting to know the speeds at extremely low levels, there really isn't going to be any significant changes. between 33ft and 120ft. Perhaps only a few knots at best. Take into account your surrounding terrain. If you are close to a tree line, how tall are the trees? They will block more wind. I've seen surface winds speeds across a runway of 10 kts, but above a 200ft treeline the winds were blowing at 25kts.

The answer above about sending up a balloon is fine if you want to know what the winds are at intervals of thousands of feet. But since you want very low levels, just get a standard helium balloon like from a party store, and let it go up. watch it and see if it encouters any significant directional changes (push) due to increased winds.

I hope that helps. I am a meteorologist.

Answer 2

Wind speed tends to follow a logarithmic profile in the very lowest part of the atmosphere. You could fit your wind speeds to that curve. You wouldn't want to go much higher than 120 ft though.

Answer 3

to no longer my know-how. There are different variables. in case you knew the cost at 33 feet and the cost at yet another elevation, you are able to desire to estimate the cost at different elevations with a ratio formula. you go with 2 as a fashion to hit upon extra.

Answer 4

Put up a pilot balloon and track it or ask a friendly aeroplane pilot to check the wind as s/he comes in to land. Hot air balloon and glider pilots in competitions frequently use pilot balloons to check low level winds.