Big Wind Day

Big Wind Day is an American holiday dedicated to the strong winds that often affect different states. A natural disaster does not necessarily have to take the form of a hurricane, storm, or other severe weather events. Strong winds alone can cause significant damage and become a serious problem. It is observed annually on April 12.

History

The exact history of Big Wind Day is not well known. It likely began in 1984 when observers who had worked at the Mount Washington Observatory 30 years earlier gathered to celebrate a very significant event: the strongest gust of wind ever recorded there on April 12, 1934. Its speed was 231 miles per hour.

A similar wind speed was recorded at Mount Washington, as the mountainous terrain is known for stronger winds due to the lack of obstacles. The wind speed record set by the observatory remained unbeaten for decades until 1996, when a typhoon in Australia produced gusts reaching 256 miles per hour. However, within the United States, the 1934 record still holds its place as the strongest wind speed ever recorded.

Interesting Facts

• In Beijing, during strong winds, the sky can take on a yellow-green hue due to sandstorms from the Gobi Desert.
• Mount Washington’s elevation is 6,288 feet.
• Wind always flows from a high-pressure zone to a low-pressure zone.

How to Celebrate

Check the weather forecasts for your region. What is the average wind speed for a particular month or year?

Share the holiday on social media. Ask others if they’ve ever experienced strong winds. Encourage them to share their stories.

When is Big Wind Day in 2025?

Big Wind Day is observed on April 12 each year.

Observations