Wind direction defies understanding, but it is ALWAYS the direction from which the wind comes. Vertical winds or wind components are called updrafts and downdrafts, but, in this case, updrafts go up and downdrafts go down. A WNW wind means that if you face a direction between West and Northwest (292° by compass) you will feel the wind on your face. Edit: "If you're not confused, you simply don't understand the situation!" - Anon.