Here's how the wind this spring in Calgary has stacked up to previous years
A powerful storm is bringing heavy winds to large chunks of Alberta today, with strong northwest gusts of 90 to 100 km/h expected.
Winds are set to continue throughout May 14 before weakening later this evening, according to an Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) wind warning.
“Local utility outages are possible. High-sided vehicles will be pushed around by the wind. Damage to roofs, fences, branches or soft shelters is possible. Secure loose objects. If outside, protect yourself from flying or falling debris,” the warning added.
Although Calgary is not expecting such strong winds in the forecast, people may be wondering if this spring has been unusually windy compared to years past.
Daily Hive spoke to ECCC meteorologist Terri Lang, who pulled the data on typical wind speeds for spring at the Calgary International Airport station. The data runs from March 1 to May 12 for each year starting in the late 1950s.
ECCC is missing some data from the 1970s; however, this year is in green and indicates that the average wind speed, measured in miles per hour (mph), has been slightly above average, but in line with the last few years.
This year did not rank in the top 10 windiest or calmest for that particular time period, clocking in at 10.18 mph. The windiest year over the same time period was 1964, followed by 1959 and 1981.
The least windy year, from March 1 to May 12, was 1989, with an average wind speed of 7.35 mph.
Environment and Climate Change Canada
“The black line shows the 30-year average, and it is getting windier during that time period,” Lang added.
She said spring is typically on the windier side in Alberta because of a battle with cold air to the north.
If you were hoping to brave the chillier conditions this May long weekend, we’ve rounded up some of the best campgrounds to visit.