TRIMMER said..olskool said..So here's a thought. Do you think the cooler 20kt SE has more push than a warm 20kt NE?
Cold air is more dense that warm .
I can definitely feel a difference from lake George and here in Queensland.
I think they are close enough to be the same. Airplane pilots calculate drift etc using the same rated velocity of the wind. They don't have a different calculation for northerly winds compared to southerly winds. Perhaps it is the 'gustiness' of a wind that fools us. A more constant breeze would feel more powerful than a fluctuating breeze that peaks at the same level.
Air density is affected by temperature. There is less lift for an airplane on a hot humid day. Pilots do. or should, calculate for this when looking at how much runway they need for for a takeoff. In which case, it is much easier to take off when the air is cooler (denser).
Personally, I think that the biggest factor for us are the obstacles (trees, buildings etc) that disturb the flow of air. Turbulent air is a problem. For example, a kite flies easily on the beach with an onshore wind. A similar wind in a park surrounded by trees, hills, and houses will see it jump all over the place. No good at all. A constant breeze = constant lift, so we need places that are not impeded by natural and ma made structures.
Lately there seems to be more S and less NE but we've had sailable wind a few days a week so far ..
