Big Wind Day

Big Wind Day: A Celebration of Nature’s Power

Big Wind Day is a unique holiday celebrated annually on April 12 to commemorate the highest natural wind gust ever recorded on Earth. This incredible event took place at Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire on April 12, 1934, when winds reached a staggering 231 miles per hour. It serves as a reminder of nature’s awe-inspiring power and the importance of understanding weather phenomena.

Quick Facts

When is it? April 12
Tagged as: Weather, Nature, History
What’s the hashtag? #BigWindDay
When was it founded? At least by 1987
Who founded it? Mount Washington Observatory

History of Big Wind Day

On April 12, 1934, observers Wendell Stephenson, Alexander McKenzie, and Salvadore Pagliuca recorded the record-breaking wind gust at Mount Washington Observatory. The observatory was only in its second year of operation, and the measurement was made using a heated anemometer specially designed for the summit’s extreme conditions. This record held for over six decades until surpassed by Tropical Cyclone Olivia in Australia in 1996. Today, Big Wind Day remains a significant event in American meteorological history.

Timeline

1870: U.S. Signal Service builds one of the first mountaintop weather stations.
1932: Mount Washington Observatory is established.
1934: Record-breaking wind gust of 231 mph is recorded.
1987: The day begins being referred to as “Big Wind Day.”
1996: Record broken by Tropical Cyclone Olivia (256 mph).

Upcoming Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	April 12	Saturday
2026	April 12	Sunday
2027	April 12	Monday
2028	April 12	Wednesday
2029	April 12	Thursday
2030	April 12	Friday

Observed

Big Wind Day is observed primarily in the United States with activities like kite flying, sailing, and educational programs about wind energy and weather phenomena.

How to Celebrate Big Wind Day

Fly a Kite: Gather friends or family and head to an open field to enjoy the windy weather with colorful kites.
Learn About Wind Energy: Explore how wind power contributes to sustainable energy solutions and its role in combating climate change.
Visit Mount Washington Observatory: If possible, visit the site where this historic event occurred to learn more about its significance.

Fun Facts About Big Wind Day

The anemometer used in 1934 was confirmed accurate by the National Weather Bureau.
Cats at the observatory were part of daily life during the record-breaking event.
Winds at Mount Washington are often faster than those seen in hurricanes.

Quiz

What year was the record-breaking wind gust recorded?
- (Answer: 1934)
Where is Mount Washington located?
- (Answer: New Hampshire)
What instrument measured the wind speed?
- (Answer: Anemometer)
What was the recorded wind speed?
- (Answer: 231 mph)
Which storm broke this record globally?
- (Answer: Tropical Cyclone Olivia)

FAQs

When was the windiest day?
The windiest day recorded was April 12, 1934, at Mount Washington Observatory.

Where is the windiest place on Earth?
While Mount Washington is one of the windiest places in North America, Antarctica often experiences extreme winds exceeding 100 mph.

What is the least windy state in the U.S.?
Some of the least windy states include Mississippi, Florida, and Kentucky.

What is Big Wind Day about?
It celebrates the highest natural wind gust recorded at Mount Washington Observatory in 1934.

Why is Mount Washington famous for winds?
Its unique geography creates extreme weather conditions, including high winds.

Can I celebrate Big Wind Day at home?
Yes! Activities like kite flying or learning about wind energy are great ways to participate.

Has the U.S. record been broken?
Globally, yes; but Mount Washington holds the U.S. record for staffed stations.

Why is wind energy important?
It’s a clean, renewable source that helps reduce carbon emissions.

Importance of Big Wind Day

Big Wind Day highlights the incredible power of nature and serves as a reminder to respect and study weather phenomena for safety and sustainability purposes.