In United States weather observing practice, the highest "instantaneous" wind speed recorded at a station during a specified period, usually the 24-hour observation day. Therefore, a peak gust need not be a true gust of wind.
After U.S. weather observing practice, the highest "instantaneous" wind speed recorded at a station during a specified period, usually the 24-hour observational day. Therefore, a peak gust need not be a true gust of wind. Compare fastest mile.