Beaufort Wind Scale
Beaufort
number
or force
Wind Speed
Wave
height
(feet)
Description
Effects observed on sea
Simon Says....
knots
mph
0
under 1
under 1
-
Calm
Sea like mirror
1
1 - 3
1 - 3
3 in
Light air
Ripples with appearance of scales: no foam crests
2
4 - 6
4 - 7
6in - 1
Light breeze
Small wavelets; crests of glassy appearance, not breaking
3
7 - 10
8 - 12
2 - 3
Gentle breeze
Large wavelets; crests begin to break; scattered whitecaps
4
11 - 16
13 - 18
3 - 5
Moderate breeze
Small waves, becoming longer numerous whitecaps
5
17 - 21
19 - 24
6 - 8
Fresh breeze
Moderate waves, taking longer form; many whitecaps; some spray
6
22 - 27
25 - 31
9 - 13
Strong breeze
Larger waves forming; whitecaps everywhere; more spray
7
28 - 33
32 - 38
13 - 19
Near gale
Sea heaps up; white foam from breaking waves begins to be blown in streaks
8
34 - 40
39 - 46
18 - 25
Gale
Moderately high waves of greater length; edges of crests begin to break into spindrift; foam is blown in well marked streaks
what do you mean, you're not coming diving?
