Wind alert

An orange windsock banner ⚑ appears on the METAR and on any TAF period when the wind is 20 kt or greater — by either the sustained speed or the gust.

• Sustained — e.g. 24021KT (240° at 21 kt).
• Gusting — e.g. 31015G27KT triggers on the 27 kt gust even though the mean is 15 kt.
• Variable-direction winds (VRB25G45KT) and metric units (MPS / KMH, converted to knots) are handled.

The banner reads e.g. "Winds 21 kt, gusting 31 kt (240°)". Calm or light winds (under 20 kt) are not flagged. Note that a separate, light-wind cue exists as part of the Temperature alert (calm air paired with heat or near-saturation).