How to Measure Wind Direction
Measuring the direction of the wind can help you determine many things. You can determine how hard you have to throw a fast ball, on which side of the house you should plant your flowers and where the upcoming rain will be hitting your building. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Install a windsock at the spot you'd like to measure the direction of the wind. A windsock is a cone-shaped fabric tube that is attached by strings to a pole. When the wind blows, it opens up the windsock and keeps it flying high. The wind is then determined to be coming from the opposite direction of where the windsock is flying.
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Watch flags that are flying. Strong wind will wave flags in the direction the wind is traveling. The wind pushes the flags back, so it can be determined that the wind is coming from the exact opposite direction of where the flag is pointing.
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Attach a wind vane to a tall object or the top of your building. A wind vane is usually made out of metal and has a directional pointer on it. Wind vanes must be installed so the weight of the vane is balanced properly. When the wind blows, the heaviest end of the vane, usually a large metal arrow, points in the direction opposite that from which the wind is blowing.
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Lick your finger and put your finger in the air. This is how many golfers determine the direction and strength of the wind. If the wet side of your finger becomes dry quickly, you know that you have chosen to point it in the direction from which the wind is coming.
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Watch trees and bushes. When strong winds come roaring through, the leaves and branches of trees and bushes feverishly rattle. Whichever side of the tree or bush is affected the greatest is the direction that is pointed toward where the wind is coming from.
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