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National Big Wind Day

Nature's powerful gusts, bending trees and stirring the world, an awe-inspiring force reminding us of Earth's untamed might.

Nature & Environment Science & Technology28

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Celebrate wind science and outdoor recreation with kite-flying activations, Chicago tourism tie-ins, and renewable energy education content.

Relevance 28low intent

Kite-flying challenge: share your best wind-day photos
Wind records through history: from 231 mph Mount Washington to modern meteorology
Plan a Chicago 'Windy City' getaway with Lake Michigan adventures
Playlist nostalgia: songs about wind and change for spring vibes

History

A big wind can be an enormous help when it comes to sailing in a boat or flying a kite. But it can also be rather destructive if that wind comes along with a storm, like a hurricane or a tornado.

Scientists have been measuring the wind for more than 500 years, with the use of the anemometer that was designed by an Italian scientist.

In these hundreds of years of wind, there have been some amazing gusts that have measured over 200 miles per hour. And that’s a really big wind!

National Big Wind Day is the celebration of the highest natural wind recorded on the earth’s surface up to that time. Taking place on April 12, 1934, this wind was measured in the Mount Washington Observatory coming in at a whopping 231 miles per hour!

Since that measurement, the record has actually been broken when, during a hurricane in Australia, winds were measured up to 253 miles per hour. But, in the United States, the celebration of Big Wind Day that happened in Washington more than 80 years ago remains a significant event.

How to celebrate

Fly a Kite

Even folks who don’t live near a particularly windy place might be able to find some little gusts to celebrate National Big Wind Day with. And one of the best activities to do on a windy spring day is to fly a kite. From a traditional diamond kite to a box kite, from a sled kite to a delta kite, there are tons of different options to have fun playing in the sky on a windy day.

Make a Windy Day Playlist

A great way to make a boring day into a good day is by providing it with a special playlist! Opportunities for making a playlist for National Big Wind Day are kind of fun and a bit silly. Check out some of these songs that could be used to get started: Wind of Change by Scorpions (1990)Against the Wind by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band (1980)Dust in the Wind by Kansas (1977)Blowin’ in the Wind by Peter, Paul and Mary (1963)

Visit the Windy City

Although the biggest wind was recorded in Washington state, the town with the reputation as “The Windy City” is located in Chicago, Illinois. Take a little visit to this unique city in the middle of the US and catch some of those winds off Lake Michigan that it is so well known for. While there, catch some other interesting sights, such as the iconic John Hancock Center, the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) the Field Museum, or the Cloud Gate statue.

FAQ

What causes extremely strong winds like those on Mount Washington?

Extremely strong winds occur when there are large differences in air pressure over a short distance, which forces air to accelerate from high‑pressure areas toward low‑pressure areas. On Mount Washington, the combination of steep terrain, frequent low‑pressure systems in the North Atlantic storm track, and the way air is funneled over and around the mountain can concentrate and strengthen winds far beyond what is typical at lower elevations. Similar pressure gradients and terrain effects help explain powerful downslope winds in other mountain regions of the world.

How do scientists accurately measure very high wind speeds without breaking the instruments?

Meteorologists use specialized anemometers that are designed and tested to withstand high speeds, freezing conditions, and debris. At professional observatories, instruments are mounted on sturdy towers and regularly calibrated to meet standards set by groups such as the World Meteorological Organization. When a very high wind speed is recorded, scientists verify that the instrument was functioning correctly, that the data are consistent with nearby measurements and weather patterns, and that no damage to the equipment affected the reading before accepting it as reliable.

What is the difference between a gale, a storm‑force wind, and a hurricane‑force wind?

Meteorologists often describe wind strength using the Beaufort scale, which relates wind speed to observed effects on land and sea. A “gale” typically refers to sustained winds of about 34 to 47 knots (39 to 54 miles per hour). “Storm‑force” winds are stronger, around 48 to 63 knots (55 to 73 miles per hour). “Hurricane‑force” winds start at 64 knots (74 miles per hour) or higher, which is also the threshold for a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir‑Simpson scale. These categories focus on sustained winds, not just brief gusts.

Why are some mountaintops and ridges much windier than nearby valleys?

Wind speeds generally increase with height above the ground because there is less friction from obstacles such as trees and buildings. Mountain ridges and peaks sit directly in the path of large‑scale air currents, so they are exposed to stronger, more persistent winds. The shape of the terrain can also funnel and accelerate air, a bit like narrowing the nozzle on a hose. Valleys, by contrast, are often sheltered by surrounding slopes, which can block or redirect the flow and reduce the wind at the surface.

How does the World Meteorological Organization decide what counts as a world record wind speed?

For an extreme wind observation to be recognized as a world record, the World Meteorological Organization evaluates the instrument type, its calibration history, how and where it was installed, and the surrounding weather situation. Experts analyze the raw data, check for consistency with other observations and numerical weather models, and rule out damage or malfunction. Only when a panel of specialists agrees that the measurement meets strict scientific and technical standards is it accepted into the official global climate and weather extremes archive.

Are very strong wind gusts more dangerous than sustained winds?

Both matter, but short‑lived gusts can be especially hazardous because they are harder to anticipate and can briefly push forces on structures and vehicles far above the average wind level. Sudden gusts can knock people off balance, topple trees and power lines, and cause drivers to lose control, especially of high‑profile vehicles. Building codes and engineering standards take gusts into account by considering peak wind loads, and safety agencies recommend extra caution when gusts are much higher than the sustained wind speed.

How can someone stay safe during a high‑wind event if there is no thunderstorm or hurricane?

Even on otherwise clear days, strong pressure gradients or mountain winds can create dangerous conditions. Safety agencies advise securing loose outdoor items, staying away from trees, power lines, and temporary structures like scaffolding, and avoiding activities such as high‑profile vehicle travel, rooftop work, or ridge hiking when wind advisories or warnings are in effect. Indoors, people should stay away from windows where flying debris could cause injury. Following guidance from national meteorological or emergency management services helps reduce the risk from strong winds of any kind.