Here's how the wind this spring in Edmonton has stacked up to previous years
A powerful storm is bringing heavy winds to Edmonton and much 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.
With 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 Terri Lang, a meteorologist with ECCC, who pulled the data on just what wind speeds are typical for spring in Edmonton.
Looking at the daily average wind speed taken at the Edmonton International Airport station, the data outlined spring so far, running from March 1 to May 12 for each year starting in the mid-1970s for Edmonton.
This year is in green and indicates that the average wind speed, measured in miles per hour (mph), this year (from March 1 to May 12) has been above average, but in line with the last few years.
This year is ranked as the 10th windiest for that particular time period, clocking in at 9.55 mph. 1982 is the windiest year over the same time period, followed by 2022 and 2020.
The least windy year, from March 1 to May 12, was 1975, with an average wind speed of 7.17 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.