What is one major factor to consider when performing welding in windy conditions?

When performing welding in windy conditions, one major factor to consider is shielding gas dispersion. In gas metal arc welding (GMAW) or other welding processes that utilize shielding gas, wind can blow the protective gas away from the weld zone. This exposure can lead to oxidation of the weld pool, resulting in defects such as porosity and inadequate penetration. Ensuring that the shielding gas maintains a consistent and protective coverage of the weld area is crucial for producing high-quality welds.

Although other factors like flux consumption, visibility, and cooling time are important in welding, they do not directly affect the immediate quality of the weld in the same way that shielding gas dispersion does when faced with windy conditions.