April 12 is observed annually in the United States as National Big Wind Day. This day commemorates the measurement of the highest natural wind surge at the surface of the Earth. Mount Washington Observatory recorded 231-mile-per-hour winds in the afternoon of April 12, 1934. Mount Washington, at 6,288 feet, is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Supposedly, it is the most prominent elevation east of the Mississippi River. Mount Washington will likely be windy, although it is difficult to predict whether the gusts will be as intense as they were in 1934.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BIG WIND DAY
Mount Washington, at 6,288 feet, is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. East of the Mississippi River, the mountain is the most conspicuous feature. Observers Wendell Stephenson, Alexander McKenzie, and Salvadore Pagliuca reported the 1934 record-breaking wind gusts from the Mount Washington Observatory. In 1984, the astronomers returned to the observatory to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the event!
The record speed of 231 miles per hour stood for decades. In 1996, however, this record was broken. With wind speeds of 256 miles per hour, a typhoon struck a small island off the coast of Australia. However, the 1934 reading remains uncontested in America.
National Wind Force Whether it is day or night, we must all confront the occasional windy day. Even without a hurricane or tornado, the wind can become exceedingly strong. Windstorms demonstrate the power of nature; they can be hazardous, destructive, and even fatal. It can disrupt power and water supply, uproot trees, and even damage infrastructure. Alternatively, the wind is also our ally. It aids in keeping us comfortable on hot days. The wind also drives the sails of powerful ships. Globally, wind-powered turbines dot the landscape. These turbines generate an increasing quantity of clean electricity and contribute to the development of a sustainable future.
5 FACTS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND ABOUT WIND POWER
Wind energy has existed for centuries.
Windmills are commonly associated with Holland, but they trace back to 2000 B.C. in Ancient China.
Wind turbines are intricate.
A single wind turbine has approximately 8,000 individual components.
It is gaining popularity
Wind energy is the renewable energy source with the highest growth rate in many countries.
Wind technology is beneficial to birds.
The taller and slower-moving blades of wind farms are secure for birds.
Hawaii has the largest wind turbine in the globe.
It is twenty stories tall and has wingspan equal to a football field.
NATIONAL BIG WIND DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 12 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | April 12 | Friday |
| 2025 | April 12 | Saturday |
| 2026 | April 12 | Sunday |
| 2027 | April 12 | Monday |
