A north north east (NNE) wind is a common wind direction for after a cold front. NNE winds typically occur right after the straight northerly winds of a cold front. If the cold front is strong and brings much colder air down then it’ll be common to experience NNE winds the morning after the front passes. If the temperature warms up enough the wind will shift from the NNE to the NE. If the front is strong, then the wind will maintain the NNE wind direction throughout the day. Basically, cold air = NNE winds.
Although the NNE wind is close in direction to a N or NE wind, it is very different than either direction. The NNE is the one wind direction where there isn’t a place to find clean, consistent wind. The Skyway Bridge East launch is the closest place to get a decent breeze, but be sure to expect super gusty conditions. A NNE wind travels over St Petersburg before going over water that eventually hits the east launch of the Skyway Bridge. A NE wind travels across the open water of Tampa Bay, giving the wind a chance to be much cleaner and feel more consistent.
The screenshot above is taken from Ikitesurf the day after a cold front pushed through St Petersburg. Notice how the wind direction stayed NNE throughout the entire day and that the temperature by 4pm is still only 53 degrees, cold for St Petersburg’s standards. The other thing to notice is where it reads “Gusting: 11 to 20 mph”. 11 to 20 mph is a huge wind range and is where you experience lulls where your kite feels like its falling out of the sky one second then overpowered the next second. If you are planning to ride on a NNE wind, we recommend the following place:
