Gale

galeGale-force winds causing heavy seas at Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear, Eng.

Gale, wind that is stronger than a breeze; specifically a wind of 28–55 knots (50–102 km per hour) corresponding to force numbers 7 to 10 on the Beaufort scale. As issued by weather service forecasters, gale warnings occur when forecasted winds range from 34 to 47 knots (63 to 87 km per hour).

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title: Gale
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 10 November 2026
Access Date: November 13, 2026