The abbreviation NNE is a precise meteorological term used to communicate directional data, primarily for wind. It stands for North-Northeast, a designation that refines the general direction North and is part of a standardized system meteorologists and mariners use for accuracy.
Decoding NNE
North-Northeast is classified as a secondary intercardinal point, meaning it divides the angle between two simpler directions: North (N) and Northeast (NE). This specific point exists to capture a direction that is slightly more easterly than North but not fully Northeast. The compass is divided into 360 degrees, with North at 0 degrees. Northeast sits at 45 degrees, halfway between North and East (90 degrees). NNE is the exact midpoint between North and Northeast, corresponding to a bearing of 22.5 degrees clockwise from true North. This degree of specificity is necessary because atmospheric conditions rarely align perfectly with the four main directions.
The Full Compass Rose System
Terms like NNE are derived from the 16-point compass rose system, which is the standard directional framework used in many weather reports and aviation. This system expands upon the four cardinal directions—North, East, South, and West. Bisecting these angles creates the four intercardinal points: Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest. To achieve the necessary level of detail for atmospheric science, the angles between these eight points are bisected again. This final division yields the eight secondary intercardinal points, such as North-Northeast (NNE), East-Northeast (ENE), and West-Southwest (WSW), resulting in sixteen distinct directions, each separated by 22.5 degrees. Forecasters use these specific abbreviations to accurately model and predict the movement of fronts and air masses.
Application in Weather Forecasting
In weather reports, NNE is predominantly used to describe wind direction, indicating the direction from which the wind is blowing. For example, a report stating “Winds NNE at 15 mph” signifies a wind carrying air from the North-Northeast at 15 miles per hour. This precise directional information is crucial for predicting localized weather effects. A wind coming from NNE, rather than a straight North, can significantly alter the temperature or moisture content of the air reaching a specific location. In coastal regions, a minor directional shift from N to NNE can determine whether the wind travels over land or open water before reaching the shore, affecting wave patterns and wind turbulence.