The Beaufort Scale

The Beaufort Scale

This is a system for estimating wind speed based on the effect the wind is having on the physical environment. The behaviour of smoke, waves, trees, etc., is rated on a 13 point scale where 0 is calm and 12 is hurricane force. The scale was devised in 1805 by the British naval Commander, later Admiral, Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1875). A further set of numbers (13-17)^Mfor very strong winds were added by the US Weather Bureau in 1955. The original scale made no reference to actual wind speed. These references have been added as technology allowed. [AM] {GC} {WW}