How Does Oklahoma City's Wind Compare? A National Ranking

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on Apr 25, 2025

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Measuring Oklahoma City's Wind

Data Sources and Methodology

Accurately comparing wind speeds across different cities requires a robust methodology and reliable data sources. For this analysis, we primarily used data from the National Weather Service (NWS), specifically their historical weather data archives for various weather stations within and around Oklahoma City. We also consulted data from reputable local weather stations to ensure data consistency and accuracy.

The methodology involved comparing average annual wind speeds, focusing on sustained wind speeds rather than solely relying on peak gusts. While gust speeds provide valuable information about short-term wind intensity, sustained speeds better reflect the overall windiness experienced throughout the year. We used miles per hour (mph) as the consistent unit for measurement.

• Units Used: Miles per hour (mph) for consistent comparison.
• Data Limitations: Data accuracy can vary depending on the age and location of weather stations. Some older stations might have less consistent data compared to modern automated stations. We have considered these potential biases when interpreting the results.
• Gust Speed Incorporation: While average annual wind speeds formed the basis of the rankings, we also considered the frequency and intensity of wind gusts to provide a more comprehensive picture of Oklahoma City’s windiness.

Oklahoma City's Wind Speed Compared to Other Cities

National Ranking and Comparison

The following table presents a ranking of selected US cities based on their average annual wind speeds. Oklahoma City's position within this ranking helps contextualize its windiness relative to other major cities across the country.

[Insert Map Here: A map of the US visualizing average annual wind speeds, highlighting the locations of the cities listed above. Color-coding could represent wind speed ranges.]

Oklahoma City's average annual wind speed places it comfortably within the mid-range of the cities compared. While not among the windiest, it experiences noticeably higher wind speeds than many coastal or more sheltered cities.

The Impact of Wind in Oklahoma City

Effects on Infrastructure and Daily Life

The wind in Oklahoma City significantly impacts daily life and infrastructure. Strong winds can make driving conditions challenging, especially for high-profile vehicles or during dust storms. Aviation is also affected, with wind speeds influencing flight schedules and ground operations at Will Rogers World Airport.

• Wind-related Incidents: Dust storms, tree damage, and occasional power outages due to high winds are common occurrences.
• Architectural Influence: The city's architecture reflects its wind patterns to some degree, with buildings often designed with wind resistance in mind.
• Local Initiatives: Oklahoma City has building codes and emergency response plans to address potential wind-related damage.

Environmental Implications

Wind plays a significant role in Oklahoma City's environment.

• Air Quality: Prevailing winds can help disperse air pollutants, improving air quality in some instances. Conversely, strong winds can exacerbate dust storms, worsening air quality.
• Pollen Dispersal: Wind is a crucial factor in pollen dispersal, contributing to the length and severity of allergy seasons.
• Wind Energy Potential: Oklahoma's consistent winds represent a substantial potential for harnessing wind energy, contributing to renewable energy goals.

Conclusion

Our analysis reveals that while Oklahoma City isn't among the nation's windiest cities, its average annual wind speed is notably higher than many others. The data clearly shows that Oklahoma City experiences a significant wind presence compared to coastal or more sheltered urban environments. This windiness influences daily life, infrastructure, and the local environment, requiring adaptation in urban planning, building codes, and emergency preparedness.

Want to learn more about Oklahoma City's unique weather patterns and how they compare to other windy cities? Keep exploring our site for more in-depth analyses and weather information. Search for "Oklahoma City wind statistics" or "wind speeds in major US cities" to delve deeper into this fascinating topic.