wind direction and speed definition
- Quick Answer. Wind speed is the rate or movement of air flow as it travels from high to low pressure, in relation to the Earth. Warm air rises because it weighs less than cold air, and the cold air then moves in and replaces the warm air. Wind direction Wind direction. Wind direction is reported by the direction from which it originates. For example, a northerly wind blows from the north to the south.[1] Wind direction is usually reported in cardinal directions or in azimuth degrees. Wind direction is measured in degrees clockwise from due north and so a wind coming from the south has a wind direction of 180 degrees; one from the east is 90 degrees.