Terms Associated with Wind

• Veer is a change of direction in a clockwise direction.

• Back is a change of direction in an anti-clockwise direction.

Gusts 

A gust is a sudden increase in wind speed, often with a change in direction lasting less than one minute and it is a local effect. A gust will only be reported or forecast if 10 kt or more above the mean wind speed. 

A lull is a sudden decrease in wind speed. 

Squalls 

A squall is a sudden increase in wind speed, often with a change in direction. Lasting for one minute or more and can cover a wide area. It is often associated with cumulonimbus cloud and cold fronts. 

Gale 

A gale exists when the sustained wind speed exceeds 33 kt, or gusts exceed 42 kt. 

Hurricane 

A hurricane-force wind exists when sustained wind speed exceeds 63 kt.