{"id":4256,"date":"2016-12-03T12:30:43","date_gmt":"2016-12-03T12:30:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lovesail.com\/ls-news\/?p=4256"},"modified":"2026-02-19T09:23:46","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T09:23:46","slug":"squalls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/squalls\/","title":{"rendered":"Squalls"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 data-start=\"366\" data-end=\"395\"><strong data-start=\"368\" data-end=\"395\">Squalls: What Are They?<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"397\" data-end=\"445\">Look out, there\u2019s a <strong data-start=\"418\" data-end=\"428\">squall<\/strong> coming your way!<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"447\" data-end=\"669\"><strong data-start=\"447\" data-end=\"458\">Squalls<\/strong> can occur in any hemisphere as a sharp and sudden increase in wind speed. They\u2019re often associated with sudden weather changes such as rain showers or thunderstorms, and they can also occur ahead of snowstorms.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"671\" data-end=\"785\">A squall brings a sustained increase in wind speed, but it may also contain gusts that are significantly stronger.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"787\" data-end=\"790\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"792\" data-end=\"834\"><strong data-start=\"795\" data-end=\"834\">What Is the Definition of a Squall?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"836\" data-end=\"977\">The origin of the word <em data-start=\"859\" data-end=\"867\">squall<\/em> is uncertain, but one theory suggests it may be related to the Old Norse word <em data-start=\"946\" data-end=\"954\">skvala<\/em>, meaning \u201cto squeal.\u201d\u00b9<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"979\" data-end=\"1047\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/wmo.int\/\"><strong data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"1026\">World Meteorological Organization (WMO)<\/strong><\/a> defines a squall as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1051\" data-end=\"1088\">A wind increase of at least <strong data-start=\"1079\" data-end=\"1088\">8 m\/s<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1051\" data-end=\"1088\">Reaching a peak speed of at least <strong data-start=\"1125\" data-end=\"1135\">11 m\/s<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1051\" data-end=\"1088\">Lasting for at least <strong data-start=\"1159\" data-end=\"1173\">one minute<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1175\" data-end=\"1276\">In short, squalls are brief but potentially powerful bursts of wind that can catch sailors off guard.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lovesail.com\/ls-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/squall.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"4257\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/squalls\/squall\/#main\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/squall.jpg?fit=600%2C299&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"600,299\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"squall\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/squall.jpg?fit=600%2C299&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4257\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lovesail.com\/ls-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/squall.jpg?resize=600%2C299\" alt=\"squalls\" width=\"600\" height=\"299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/squall.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/squall.jpg?resize=300%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h1 data-start=\"1283\" data-end=\"1339\"><strong data-start=\"1285\" data-end=\"1339\">Squalls: What to Do When You\u2019re Caught Out Sailing<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"1341\" data-end=\"1446\">So what should you do if you\u2019ve been watching the forecast but still find yourself in squally conditions?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1448\" data-end=\"1485\">Here are some practical safety steps.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1487\" data-end=\"1490\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1492\" data-end=\"1529\"><strong data-start=\"1495\" data-end=\"1529\">1. Seek Shelter or Safer Water<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1531\" data-end=\"1599\">If you can reach a safe harbour or sheltered coastline, do so early.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1601\" data-end=\"1772\">However, be cautious about trying to outrun a storm. Staying in deep water may sometimes be safer than heading toward shallows, where seas can become choppy and dangerous.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1774\" data-end=\"1840\">No sailor wants to be caught on a <strong data-start=\"1808\" data-end=\"1821\">lee shore<\/strong> in strong squalls.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1842\" data-end=\"1891\">In difficult conditions, it\u2019s also wise to avoid:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1895\" data-end=\"1912\">Natural hazards<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1895\" data-end=\"1912\">Tricky navigation<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1895\" data-end=\"1912\">Narrow or complex passages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"1967\" data-end=\"1970\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1972\" data-end=\"2022\"><strong data-start=\"1975\" data-end=\"2022\">2. Secure Your Yacht Before the Squall Hits<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2024\" data-end=\"2043\">Preparation is key.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2045\" data-end=\"2059\">Make sure you:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"2063\" data-end=\"2094\">Close and batten down hatches<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2063\" data-end=\"2094\">Reduce or strike sails<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2063\" data-end=\"2094\">Secure the dinghy on deck<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2063\" data-end=\"2094\">Keep decks tidy and free of loose gear<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2063\" data-end=\"2094\">Note your position and navigation plan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2239\" data-end=\"2323\">If anchored, ensure your anchor is well dug in and consider letting out extra chain.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2325\" data-end=\"2442\">Also think about your swinging circle, and fix the wheel or tiller centrally so the boat doesn\u2019t swing unnecessarily.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2444\" data-end=\"2447\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2449\" data-end=\"2494\"><strong data-start=\"2452\" data-end=\"2494\">3. Squalls and Electrical Storm Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2496\" data-end=\"2569\">If you suspect an electrical storm is approaching (thunder or lightning):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"2573\" data-end=\"2595\">Go below if possible<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2573\" data-end=\"2595\">Wear shoes<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2573\" data-end=\"2595\">Stay low, but <strong data-start=\"2627\" data-end=\"2645\">never lie down<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2573\" data-end=\"2595\">Avoid touching metal<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2573\" data-end=\"2595\">Unplug electronics if possible<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2573\" data-end=\"2595\">Lower antennas<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2573\" data-end=\"2595\">Stay out of the water\u00b2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2755\" data-end=\"2843\">Lightning is one of the most dangerous risks associated with squalls near thunderstorms.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2845\" data-end=\"2848\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2850\" data-end=\"2898\"><strong data-start=\"2853\" data-end=\"2898\">4. Maintain Control at Sea During Squalls<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2900\" data-end=\"2972\">If you\u2019re caught offshore, you may choose to motor slowly into the wind.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2974\" data-end=\"3000\">General guidance includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3004\" data-end=\"3049\">Keep the bow angled into waves (around 20\u00b0)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3004\" data-end=\"3049\">Avoid presenting the stern to the wind (risk of swamping)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3004\" data-end=\"3049\">Avoid lying beam-on (risk of broaching or capsize)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3168\" data-end=\"3275\">To maintain control, you may need to power up the face of steep waves and reduce speed once over the crest.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3277\" data-end=\"3344\">Motor sailing with a small amount of sail can also steady the boat.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3346\" data-end=\"3355\">Consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3359\" data-end=\"3374\">Reefing early<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3359\" data-end=\"3374\">Using storm sails if available<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"3411\" data-end=\"3414\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3416\" data-end=\"3458\"><strong data-start=\"3419\" data-end=\"3458\">5. Heaving-To in Squally Conditions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3460\" data-end=\"3504\">Heaving-to can be a good tactic if you have:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3508\" data-end=\"3525\">Enough sea room<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3508\" data-end=\"3525\">Good visibility<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3508\" data-end=\"3525\">No nearby shipping hazards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3578\" data-end=\"3706\">By backing the jib and holding the rudder against it, the yacht drifts slowly downwind in a more controlled and stable position.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3782\">Don\u2019t wait until an emergency, practice heaving-to in calm weather first.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3784\" data-end=\"3787\" \/>\n<h1 data-start=\"3789\" data-end=\"3820\"><strong data-start=\"3791\" data-end=\"3820\">Final Thoughts on Squalls<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"3822\" data-end=\"3934\">Squalls are sudden, sharp increases in wind speed that can bring challenging and sometimes dangerous conditions.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3936\" data-end=\"4047\">With good preparation, early reefing, and the right tactics, sailors can manage squalls safely and confidently.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4049\" data-end=\"4052\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"4054\" data-end=\"4225\">Sailing Community<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4054\" data-end=\"4225\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovesail.com\"><strong data-start=\"4054\" data-end=\"4070\">Lovesail.com<\/strong><\/a> is a global online dating and social networking site for sailing enthusiasts. Join to meet like-minded souls and adventurous sailors on and off the water.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4054\" data-end=\"4225\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"9493\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/sailing-word-search\/new-logo-2025-main\/#main\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/new-logo-2025-Main.jpg?fit=300%2C70&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"300,70\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"new logo 2025 Main\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/new-logo-2025-Main.jpg?fit=300%2C70&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-9493\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/new-logo-2025-Main.jpg?resize=300%2C70&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"lovesail\" width=\"300\" height=\"70\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Squalls: What Are They? Look out, there\u2019s a squall coming your way! Squalls can occur in any hemisphere as a sharp and sudden increase in wind speed. They\u2019re often associated with sudden weather changes such as rain showers or thunderstorms, and they can also occur ahead of snowstorms. A squall brings a sustained increase in &#8230; <a title=\"Squalls\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/squalls\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Squalls\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4257,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6479],"tags":[12,306,805,804,191,806],"class_list":["post-4256","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-discover","tag-sailing","tag-sailing-tips","tag-sailing-weather","tag-squall","tag-squalls","tag-storms"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Squalls: What They Are and How Sailors Should Prepare | Lovesail<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what squalls are, how they form, and the key safety steps sailors should take when caught in sudden strong winds at sea.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/squalls\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Squalls\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Squalls: What Are They? Look out, there\u2019s a squall coming your way! Squalls can occur in any hemisphere as a sharp and sudden increase in wind speed.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/squalls\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"news\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LoveSail\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2016-12-03T12:30:43+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-19T09:23:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lovesail.com\/ls-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/squall.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"299\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Erica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Erica\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" 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