Windspeed

An increase in the intensity of extreme wind storms is expected.

Projections indicate a decrease in wind speeds for summer and increases for winter.

No long-term trend in wind speed can be determined with confidence based on the limited analysis carried out to date.
Comprehensive analysis of wind data will be carried out by Met Éireann during 2021.

Projections indicate a slight reduction in wind speed (10 m) of 1-2.7% for the RCP 4.5 (Medium to low) and 1.6-3.3% for the RCP 8.5 (high emissions) scenarios.
All seasons show a projected decrease with the highest decreases projected for summer under the RCP 8.5 (high emissions) scenario).
Projections indicate a decrease in the numbers of less intense storms for Ireland with an increase in more intense storms which are rare events. However, due to a limited number of studies, these projections should be considered with a high level of caution.