What is the gust speed at Wink (KINK)?

• A. 18 knots
• B. 12 knots
• C. 25 knots
• D. 8 knots

Answer: (A)

Gust speed is the highest wind speed reached during a gust, as shown in the METAR wind group. In METAR, the wind part starts with direction and base speed, and if gusty, a “G” followed by a number indicates the gust speed. That number after the G is the peak gust value, which is higher than the sustained wind.

For Wink (KINK), the wind report includes a gust value of 18 knots, so the gust speed is 18 knots. The base wind may be lower, but what matters for gusts is that maximum gust figure, which here is 18 knots.