By Scout Nelson
Nebraskans are no strangers to the wind's mighty force, experiencing everything from gentle breezes to powerful tornadoes.
To help residents and professionals better understand and prepare for wind patterns, the High Plains Regional Climate Center, operated by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources, has developed a new online wind climatology tool.
This tool, part of the center's extensive climate-data services, offers monthly wind data across Nebraska and its surrounding states from 1985 through 2022.
Jamie Lahowetz, the center's Automated Weather Data Network manager, explains that the tool can significantly aid firefighting efforts, agricultural planning, and energy development by providing detailed wind direction and gust data.
For example, firefighters can use this information to anticipate wind directions during fire season, while farmers can optimize pesticide applications and wind turbine placements.
The tool also reveals that wind patterns can change over time, which is crucial for long-term planning and understanding environmental shifts. Lahowetz, a Nebraska native and weather enthusiast, developed a deep interest in meteorology and extreme wind conditions through his studies and research at Nebraska.
His work with drones and weather-focused software led him to the climate center, where he now helps others navigate the complexities of wind patterns in Nebraska's diverse landscapes.
Nebraska's wind speeds vary significantly across the state and seasons, with the highest winds typically occurring in winter. The climate center's tool not only offers historical data but also promises future updates to track wind-speed trends over time, aiding in the broader understanding of climate change impacts.
Lahowetz likens wind movements to the chaotic, yet fascinating patterns seen in oceans, emphasizing the importance of this tool in capturing the dynamic nature of wind.
As the tool evolves, it will provide more detailed comparisons across seasons and years, enhancing our understanding of wind's role in climate change and how it affects various industries and safety measures in Nebraska and beyond.
Photo Credit -gettyimages-laughingmango
Categories: Nebraska, Weather