What are the top 5 windiest states in the United States?
- Introduction
- What is Wind Energy?
- How is Wind Measured?
- The Top 5 Windiest States in the US
- Nebraska – The Windiest State
- Kansas – Second Windiest State
- South Dakota – Third Windiest State
- North Dakota – Fourth Windiest State
- Iowa – Fifth Windiest State
- The Least Windy States in the US
- Conclusion
Exploring the Top 5 and Least 5 Windiest States in the US
For sailing enthusiasts, nothing beats the thrill of a high-wind day on the water, but sometimes you need to know where to go to find those perfect conditions! In this article, we explore which states boast the highest and lowest wind speeds in the United States, as well as looking at what makes wind energy so important to us all.
What is Wind Energy?
Wind energy is a form of renewable energy produced by harnessing wind power to generate electricity or mechanical power through turbines, sails, or other methods. It’s one of the most popular forms of renewable energy due to its low cost and environmental benefits, as it does not emit any greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and requires no fuel to operate; it’s also a zero-emission energy source!
How is Wind Measured?
Wind speed is measured using an anemometer, which is an instrument that measures air speed or wind speed by detecting how fast air molecules are moving past it at any given time. The unit of measure for wind speed is typically miles per hour (mph).
## The Top 5 Windiest States in the US
The top 5 windiest states in the United States are Nebraska (1), Kansas (2), South Dakota (3), North Dakota (4), and Iowa (5). Let’s take a closer look at each state:
Nebraska – The Windiest State
Nebraska takes first place for being the windiest state with average wind speeds ranging from 13-14 mph throughout most of its territories. This makes Nebraska an ideal location for both recreational sailing and commercial operations, due to its consistent winds year-round!
Kansas – Second Windiest State
Kansas takes second place with average wind speeds ranging from 12-13 mph throughout its territories. Sailing enthusiasts flock here during spring and summer months when winds are at their strongest, typically ranging between 15-18 mph!
South Dakota – Third Windiest State
South Dakota has average wind speeds ranging from 10-12 mph throughout most of its territories; however, during certain times of year these winds can blow up to 20 mph! It’s considered one of the best sailing spots in America due to its consistent winds year round.
North Dakota – Fourth Windiest State
North Dakota comes in fourth with average wind speeds ranging between 10-12 mph; however during summer months these winds can blow up to 20 mph! It also has some of the most consistent winds year round making it a great spot for sailing enthusiasts looking for reliable conditions on their trips out on the water!
Iowa – Fifth Windiest State
Iowa takes fifth place with average wind speeds ranging from 9-11 mph throughout its territories; however during certain times of year these winds can blow up to 20 mph! This makes it a great spot for sailing enthusiasts looking for reliable conditions on their trips out on the water!
## The Least 5 Windy States in the US
The least five windy states according to data collected from Mar 26, 2014 are Mississippi (1), Florida (2), Kentucky (3), Georgia (4) and Alabama (5). All these states have average wind speeds ranging between 8-10 mph during most months with occasional gusts reaching 12-15 mph at times when weather conditions allow it. Despite having lower wind speeds than other states, they all still make excellent spots for sailing trips due to their consistent weather patterns year round!
## Conclusion
The United States is home to some amazing sailing hotspots that make use of strong winds available throughout different parts of the country! These five states provide excellent opportunities for sailors looking for reliable weather patterns and strong gusts throughout different times of year; however, those looking for more intense experiences should look no further than Nebraska who takes first place as being America’s king when it comes to finding those perfect high-wind days out on the water!
