What is a likely weather event indicated by a sudden increase in surface wind speed?

A sudden increase in surface wind speed can often be an indicator of thunderstorm activity. This occurs because thunderstorms are typically associated with intense and rapidly changing atmospheric conditions. As a storm develops, it can lead to downdrafts that push strong winds down to the surface, resulting in gusty winds. Additionally, the surge in wind speed can be linked to the outflow boundary that occurs when cooler, denser air spills out from a thunderstorm, causing the wind to pick up.

Clear skies, temperature inversion, and calm weather do not typically produce such significant and immediate changes in wind speed. Clear skies generally indicate stable atmospheric conditions, where strong wind changes are less likely. Temperature inversions create a layer in the atmosphere that can suppress vertical mixing, often leading to calm conditions instead of increased wind speeds. Calm weather by definition indicates low wind conditions, which would not coincide with the notion of a sudden increase in wind speed. Therefore, the association of increased wind speed with thunderstorm activity stands out as the most accurate scenario.