1. What is a Wind Speed and Direction Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes the resultant wind speed and direction from its U (east-west) and V (north-south) components.

Purpose: It helps meteorologists, pilots, and weather enthusiasts determine wind characteristics from component data.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

Where:

• \( U \) — East-West component (positive = eastward)
• \( V \) — North-South component (positive = northward)
• Resultant — Wind speed in m/s
• Direction — Meteorological wind direction in degrees (0° from North, clockwise)

Explanation: The resultant speed is the vector magnitude, while direction is calculated using the arctangent function.

3. Importance of Wind Calculations

Details: Accurate wind speed and direction are crucial for aviation, weather forecasting, construction, and outdoor activities.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the U and V components in m/s. Positive U = eastward, negative U = westward. Positive V = northward, negative V = southward.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between mathematical and meteorological wind direction?
A: Mathematical angles are measured counter-clockwise from east (0°), while meteorological directions are clockwise from north (0°).

Q2: How do I get U and V components from speed and direction?
A: U = -speed × sin(direction), V = -speed × cos(direction) where direction is in radians.

Q3: What units should I use for the components?
A: The calculator expects m/s, but any consistent speed unit will work (results will be in same units).

Q4: Why is my direction result between -180° and 180°?
A: The raw atan2 result is converted to meteorological convention (0°-360° from North).

Q5: Can I use this for ocean currents too?
A: Yes, the same vector mathematics applies to any two-dimensional flow field.