Knowing the wind direction can be very important information in different situations. For example, if you are sailing, playing with a kite or deciding where to place a windmill, the movements of the air currents are a key detail. Fortunately, there are several methods for determining this figure; you can perceive the displacement of the air mass, observe how the wind moves a body of water or use special equipment.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Sensing the Wind
Step 1. Close your eyes
You have to sharpen all the other senses, especially touch. Closing your eyes allows you to eliminate the visual stimuli that reach the brain and you can focus on all the other sensations; in this way, you can focus only on the perception of the wind on the skin.
Step 2. Wet a finger
Dip it in the water to wet it and hold it up, away from the body; the side of the finger that cools down is the one facing the point from which the wind is blowing.
If you wet your finger by putting it in your mouth (very useful when there is no water nearby), make sure it is wet on all sides
Step 3. Rotate the garment
Turn your face in the direction from which you think the current of air is coming; the skin of the face is much more sensitive to a light breeze than that of other parts of the body, such as the hands. Keep rotating your head until you feel the wind directly on your face.
Step 4. Listen to the noise
If you are facing the direction of the wind, you should hear the same noise in both ears; you can turn your head slightly to the left and right to hear the rustle; keep moving your body until the noise is identical on both sides.
Method 2 of 3: Observe the Water
Step 1. Observe the ripples
Look at a dark body of water and take note of the small waves that form. These deformities are created by the wind that pushes the water, breaking the surface, and in turn indicate the direction in which the current of air is moving.
If you are not near a large, still water source, bring a bucket or pan filled with water outside; you should notice the ripples
Step 2. Look for a horizontal current
While looking at the water, find a horizontal stripe about 15m wide; by taking note of its direction, you can get a better idea of where the wind is blowing than by observing the individual ripples. The strip of water follows the direction of the wind.
Step 3. Determine the wind shifts by studying the water from a boat
When it comes to determining the slightest changes in wind direction, for example while sailing, you should look forward and backward. Take note of how the wind alters the water in front of you by focusing on the horizontal stripes of ripples; Also, take a look behind you to see how the air mass behind you behaves. In this way, you can directly notice the current changes instead of waiting for the boat to suffer the consequences.
Whether you are looking forward or backward, you should always take advantage of the horizontal stripes technique and observe the ripples
Method 3 of 3: Using Devices
Step 1. Tie bows to an object
This is probably the simplest way to monitor the wind. Attach a light ribbon or bow to an object and let it hang down; thanks to the force of the wind, the wire will begin to rise and move according to the direction of the air mass.
Step 2. Make an anemometer
You can build devices, such as an anemometer, to define the direction of the wind. It can be a simple, improvised instrument, or a precision one; in both cases, the wind remains trapped in the "cups" of the anemometer causing it to rotate and thus indicating both its direction and intensity.
Step 3. Hang a windsock
It is a simple device attached to a pole; at one end the opening is very large, while at the other it is much smaller. As the wind passes through the sleeve, it moves it in the direction it is blowing.
Step 4. Install a weather vane
It is a tool designed to indicate the flow of air. One end of the vane is a narrow arrowhead, while the other is wider and is designed to collect the wind; when the air moves, you can see the arrow pointing towards the wind. Remember to mount it on a sturdy base or pole.
