How the National Weather Service defines "breezy" versus "windy"
The National Weather Service has specific criteria they use to describe wind.
A breezy late summer day on the 14th Street Bridge with the Washington Monument in the background.
(Joe Flood via NOAA)
Today's forecast says might say it'll be "breezy" but tomorrow's might be "windy" or even "very windy". Or maybe it won't even describe the wind at all?
Turns out, the National Weather Service has specific criteria they use to describe wind:
If winds are expected to be calm or less than 5 mph, they will add "light wind" or "light and variable wind" to their forecast text.
If the forecast for wind is between 5 and 20 mph, that is so mundane that it doesn't get a description. Wind adjectives will just not appear in the forecast.
Now, once the forecast reaches 15-25 mph, they will term the forecast "breezy" in warmer periods of the year, or "brisk" or "blustery" when it's cold outside.
Once the forecast hits 20-30 mph, now it's officially "windy." Get those forecasted speeds up to 30-40 mph and it's described as "very windy."
If a wind storm is predicted or occurring and forecasted speeds hit 40 mph or greater, forecasters can use "strong", "dangerous", "high wind", or if the winds are above High Wind Warning criteria of 58 mph gusts: "damaging."
During hurricanes, they are allowed to use "hurricane conditions expected".