Definition
A sudden, brief increase in wind speed, generally defined by the National Weather Service as a peak wind speed of at least 16 knots with a variation of 10 knots or more between the peak and the lull. Gusts are reported in surface weather observations when these criteria are met.
Plain English
A short, sharp burst of wind that is noticeably stronger than the steady wind around it.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport weather reports from automated weather systems, on ATIS, and during takeoff, landing, taxi, and approach planning.
Derivation
Gust comes from the Old Norse 'gustr,' meaning a cold blast of wind. The original sense — a sudden puff of moving air — is exactly what the aviation term still describes.
Why Pilots Care
Sudden speed changes affect airspeed and aircraft control, especially during takeoff and landing.
Grounding Statement
Picture a steady breeze with a short stronger push mixed into it; that stronger push is the gust.
Intuition Check
Do not read wind gust as the normal wind speed. The gust is the brief higher speed, while the steady wind is the speed the wind is mostly holding.
Example Sentence 1
The ATIS reported wind 270 at 15 knots, gusting to 28, so the pilot added a gust factor to the final approach speed.
Example Sentence 2
A wind gust briefly raised our airspeed on short final, requiring a quick power adjustment.