Two ways we can measure the wind are speed, and direction: a windsock is a tool we can use to measure both. A windsock is a conical textile tube you may have seen at an airport or alongside a highway at a windy location. Wind enters the windsock from one end and escapes out of the other.

How do you read wind speed on a windsock?

Wind speed is indicated by the windsock's angle relative to the mounting pole; in low winds, the windsock droops; in high winds it flies horizontally. Alternating stripes of high visibility orange and white were initially used to help to estimate the speed of wind.

How does a windsock measure weather?

A windsock often is used at airports. A windsock is a cone-shaped bag with an opening at both ends. When it is limp, winds are light; when it is stretched out, winds are strong. Pilots can quickly determine the wind direction and speed along a runway just by observing the shape and direction of a windsock.