WEATHER BY GIANNETTA



"N O T E" All weather articles written by the author, weather records for Bath, Pa. USA, graphs, graphics, pictures, are copyrighted and are owned by the author.

If you make use of data from this site, please make reference to the: Station Licensee: Virginia T. Giannetta. Owner - Author: Charles A. Giannetta. Computer Consultant: Charles E. Giannetta & This Web Site. Thank you.



Bath, Pa.


* * Beaufort Wind Scale * *

Sir Francis Beaufort was an Admiral in the British Navy. In 1806, he divised a system for estimating the force of the wind by using numbers to indicate the strength. For calm force 0, to a hurricane, force 12.

In 1828, the British Admiralty accepted the scale for use on the high seas. In 1874, the International Meteorological Committee adopted the scale for international use in weather telegraphy.

When the scale was drawn up, it made no reference to the speed of wind. It was until 1906 when is was adopted for land use.

In June 1939, the International Meteorological Committee adopted wind speed values pertaining to an anemometer at 20 feet. The United States and Great Britain immediately adopted the scale for weather use.

TheBeaufort Scale is still in use today

Below you will find the chart depicting the Beaufort Scale:

*Beaufort No.* * Description* * Land & Sea Observations* * Wind Speed in MPH*

0

Calm

Smoke rises vertically. Sea like a mirror.

Less than 1

1

Light Air

Smoke, but no wind vane shows direction of wind. Slight ripples at sea.

1 - 3

2

Light Breeze

Wind felt on face, leaves rustle, wind vanes move. Small short wavelets.

4 - 7

3

Gentle Breeze

Leaves & small twigs moving constantly, small flags extended. Large wavelets, scattered whitecaps.

8 - 12

4

Moderate Breeze

Dust and loose paper raised, small branches moved. Small waves, frequent whitecaps.

13 - 18

5

Fresh Breeze

Small leafy trees swayed,. Moderate waves.

19 24

6

Strong Breeze

Large branches in motion, whistling heard in utility wires. Large waves. some spray.

25 - 31

7

Near Gale

Whole trees in motion. White foam from breaking waves.

32 - 38

8

Gale

Twigs break off trees. Moderately high waves of great length.

39 -46

9

Strong Gale

Slight structural damage occurs. Crests of waves begin to roll over. Spray may impede visibility.

47 -54

10

Storm

Trees uprooted, considerable structural damage. Sea white with foam, heavy tumbling of sea.

55 -63

11

Violent Storm

Widespread damage. Unusually high waves.

64 - 75

12

Hurricane

Severe & extensive damage. Much foam and spray, greatly reduced visibility.

75+
*Beaufort No.* * Description* * Land & Sea Observations* * Wind Speed in MPH*

© 1998 Charles A. Giannetta

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