Have you noticed how windy it’s been lately? Why is that?
What causes a windy day? News 12's Storm Watch Meteorologist Hope Osemwenkhae has some answers!
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From strong frontal systems to the distance between pressure systems, there are a lot of moving parts to what makes a windy day.
What causes a windy day?
1. Jet Stream
- The jet stream is a fast moving flow of air in the upper atmosphere that flows in a wavy pattern across the globe.
- The polar jet stream drives in cooler air from the North and the subtropical jet stream brings in warm air from the South.
- These fast-moving upper-level winds can mix down to the surface, increasing wind speeds.
- Stronger Jet stream = stronger winds / Weaker Jet stream = calmer winds
2. High and Low Pressure Systems
- Strong pressure gradients are normally associated with large differences in atmospheric pressure over short distances.
- This is seen with cold fronts and low-pressure systems. Behind these storm systems, lies strong winds and a sharp drop in temperatures.
3. Spring Patterns
- As Winter comes to a close, Spring arrives with a wide range of weather conditions.
- It can bring winter storms to severe storms.
- As storm systems move through our borough, what normally follows is a major temperature swing. Southerly winds from the Gulf bring rain and warmth and Northerly winds from Canada bring dry and cold air. These patterns are coupled with gusty winds.
As we transition into a warmer season, the windiest time of year is usually March and April. In recent years, early 2018 and 2022 was very windy due to winter storms and severe storms in our area.
We’ve had a lot of windy days so far this year, and recently strong gusts caused tree damage, power outages, rapidly spread brush fires and even brought dangerous driving conditions on the bridges.
Spring just started and we’re not done with the windy weather yet. Stick with your News 12 Storm Watch Team of meteorologists for the latest hyperlocal forecast.
SOURCES:
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