Understanding Wind and Shading in the UAE
Importance of Wind Awareness for Shading
The climate in the UAE experiences significant changes throughout the year, with high temperatures, humidity, strong winds, and storms. Properly managing shading systems is essential to maintain their condition, especially given the variety of wind conditions. Knowing when to close a shade can prevent damage during strong winds.
Types of Winds
Winds can be classified by speed, direction, and movement type:
- By Speed:
- Calm: 0 km/h
- Light winds: 19 km/h or less
- Moderate winds: 20 – 29 km/h
- Fresh winds: 30 – 39 km/h
- Strong winds: 40 – 50 km/h
- Near gale: 51 – 62 km/h
- Gale: 63 – 75 km/h
- Strong gale: 76 – 87 km/h
- Storm: 88 – 102 km/h
- Violent storm: 103 – 117 km/h
- Hurricane: 118 km/h or more
- By Direction:
- North winds
- South winds
- East winds
- West winds
- By Movement:
- Katafrontal winds: Move across a cold front
- Frontal winds: Move along a warm front
- Gradient winds: Blow upslope or downslope
Winds in the UAE
- Shamal:
- A strong, dry wind.
- Speeds up to 60 km/h.
- Common in summer, causing dust storms and reduced visibility.
- Major Shamals occur around May 25th, early June, and late June (Al-Dabaran).
- Westerly Wind:
- A cooler, moist wind from the southwest.
- Occurs in winter, bringing rainfall.
Wind Speed Limits on Popular Shading Models
- Sunflex 300×300 Umbrella: 25-30 km/h
- Fortano 300×300 Umbrella: 55 km/h
- Fortello 400×400 Umbrella: 75 km/h
- Complet pro 400×300 Awning: 49 km/h
- Art Monoblock 600×350 Awning: 28 km/h
Note: These limits are based on the umbrellas being securely fixed to the floor with mounting plates or support tubes.
Staying Informed
Monitoring weather conditions is crucial to protect shading systems. Several weather agencies in the UAE provide updates on wind conditions and unusual weather events.
For added protection, consider awnings with wind sensors that automatically close during high winds. Contact your provider to see if sensors can be added to your existing systems.