Summary
- • Michigan is the least windy state with an average wind speed of 6.4 mph
- • Florida is the second least windy state with an average wind speed of 7.5 mph
- • Mississippi is the third least windy state with an average wind speed of 7.6 mph
- • Alabama is the fourth least windy state with an average wind speed of 7.7 mph
- • South Carolina is the fifth least windy state with an average wind speed of 7.8 mph
- • Michigan experiences an average of 4 tornadoes per year
- • Florida averages 66 tornadoes per year, despite being one of the least windy states
- • Mississippi experiences an average of 43 tornadoes annually
- • Alabama averages 44 tornadoes per year
- • South Carolina experiences an average of 11 tornadoes annually
- • Michigan's wind energy capacity is 3,095 MW as of 2021
- • Florida's wind energy capacity is only 6 MW as of 2021
- • Mississippi has no utility-scale wind energy capacity as of 2021
- • Alabama has no utility-scale wind energy capacity as of 2021
- • South Carolina has no utility-scale wind energy capacity as of 2021
Batten down the hatches and hold onto your hats, because were diving into the whimsical world of the least windy states in the U.S.! From the tranquil shores of Michigan to the breezy boulevards of South Carolina, these states may not be blowing anyone away with their average wind speeds, but they sure do have a few surprises up their sleeves. Who knew that the quietest states could also be home to thunderstorms, tornadoes, and even potential for offshore wind energy? So grab a windsock and join us as we uncover the unexpected quirks of these seemingly calm corners of the country.
Seasonal Wind Patterns
- Michigan's windiest month is April with an average wind speed of 8.9 mph
- Florida's windiest month is March with an average wind speed of 8.7 mph
- Mississippi's windiest month is March with an average wind speed of 8.8 mph
- Alabama's windiest month is March with an average wind speed of 8.9 mph
- South Carolina's windiest month is March with an average wind speed of 9.0 mph
- Michigan's least windy month is August with an average wind speed of 6.7 mph
- Florida's least windy month is August with an average wind speed of 6.7 mph
- Mississippi's least windy month is August with an average wind speed of 6.5 mph
- Alabama's least windy month is August with an average wind speed of 6.6 mph
- South Carolina's least windy month is August with an average wind speed of 6.8 mph
Interpretation
When it comes to wind, it seems like the states are having a bit of a laid-back competition, with Michigan, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina showcasing their breezy side throughout the year. If there were a Wind Olympics, these states would be the cool, relaxed contenders casually blowing away the competition in a March Madness of mild breezes. Forget the windy city, these states are here to prove that when it comes to wind speed, they're calm, cool, and collected all year round.
Severe Weather
- Michigan experiences an average of 4 tornadoes per year
- Florida averages 66 tornadoes per year, despite being one of the least windy states
- Mississippi experiences an average of 43 tornadoes annually
- Alabama averages 44 tornadoes per year
- South Carolina experiences an average of 11 tornadoes annually
- Michigan experiences an average of 15 days per year with thunderstorms
- Florida experiences an average of 73 days per year with thunderstorms
- Mississippi experiences an average of 60 days per year with thunderstorms
- Alabama experiences an average of 60 days per year with thunderstorms
- South Carolina experiences an average of 52 days per year with thunderstorms
Interpretation
While these statistics may suggest that Michigan is the least windy state of the bunch, with its paltry 4 tornadoes per year, one might argue that it's simply because the other states are hogging all the tornado action. Florida, despite its tropical tranquility, manages to conjure up an impressive 66 tornadoes annually, showing that even the Sunshine State has a wild side. Mississippi and Alabama seem to be engaged in a fierce tornado rivalry, with both states clocking in at around 40 twisters per year. As for South Carolina, well, it seems to prefer a more subdued storm experience, content with just 11 tornadoes and 52 days of thunderstorms per year. Perhaps Michigan should consider sending a little windy support down south – after all, sharing is caring when it comes to extreme weather phenomena.
Urban Wind Patterns
- Michigan's capital, Lansing, has an average wind speed of 9.2 mph
- Florida's capital, Tallahassee, has an average wind speed of 6.1 mph
- Mississippi's capital, Jackson, has an average wind speed of 7.3 mph
- Alabama's capital, Montgomery, has an average wind speed of 6.7 mph
- South Carolina's capital, Columbia, has an average wind speed of 7.2 mph
- Michigan's windiest city is Alpena with an average wind speed of 11.2 mph
- Florida's windiest city is Key West with an average wind speed of 11.2 mph
- Mississippi's windiest city is Meridian with an average wind speed of 8.3 mph
- Alabama's windiest city is Huntsville with an average wind speed of 8.0 mph
- South Carolina's windiest city is Charleston with an average wind speed of 9.1 mph
Interpretation
While these statistics may seem like trivial tidbits about wind speed in various states, they actually offer insight into the unique atmospheric conditions that prevail in different regions. From the bustling capital cities with their modest breezes to the windy outliers like Alpena and Key West, it's clear that Mother Nature likes to play favorites when it comes to distributing her gusts. So next time you find yourself in Lansing or Tallahassee lamenting the lack of a proper breeze, just remember that somewhere in Michigan or Florida, residents are probably holding onto their hats for dear life.
Wind Energy Infrastructure
- Michigan has 1,153 wind turbines installed as of 2021
- Florida has 1 wind turbine installed as of 2021
- Mississippi has no utility-scale wind turbines installed as of 2021
- Alabama has no utility-scale wind turbines installed as of 2021
- South Carolina has no utility-scale wind turbines installed as of 2021
Interpretation
It seems that in the contest for the title of the "Least Windy States," Michigan is clearly overcompensating with its impressive 1,153 wind turbines, while Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina seem to be content lounging in the still breeze with their dearth of turbines. One must wonder if Michigan is merely trying to make up for its neighbors' lack of enthusiasm for harnessing wind energy, or if it just really enjoys the tranquil sound of wind turbines whirring in the breeze. Perhaps it's time for a breezy intervention in the South!
Wind Energy Production
- Michigan's wind energy capacity is 3,095 MW as of 2021
- Florida's wind energy capacity is only 6 MW as of 2021
- Mississippi has no utility-scale wind energy capacity as of 2021
- Alabama has no utility-scale wind energy capacity as of 2021
- South Carolina has no utility-scale wind energy capacity as of 2021
- Michigan's wind energy production accounts for 8.1% of the state's electricity
- Florida's wind energy production accounts for less than 0.1% of the state's electricity
- Mississippi has no significant wind energy production
- Alabama has no significant wind energy production
- South Carolina has no significant wind energy production
Interpretation
Despite being the least windy states in terms of energy capacity and production, Michigan shines as the unexpected leader with a whopping 3,095 MW capacity and 8.1% contribution to its electricity needs. Meanwhile, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina seem to have missed the breeze, collectively mustering a mere 6 MW of capacity and negligible contributions. It appears these states might need a gust of innovation to harness the potential of wind energy and blow away their energy woes.
Wind Resource Potential
- Michigan's average annual wind power density is 200-300 W/m² at 50m height
- Florida's average annual wind power density is less than 200 W/m² at 50m height
- Mississippi's average annual wind power density is less than 200 W/m² at 50m height
- Alabama's average annual wind power density is less than 200 W/m² at 50m height
- South Carolina's average annual wind power density is less than 200 W/m² at 50m height
- Michigan's average wind speed at 80m height is 7.5 m/s
- Florida's average wind speed at 80m height is 5.5 m/s
- Mississippi's average wind speed at 80m height is 6.0 m/s
- Alabama's average wind speed at 80m height is 6.0 m/s
- South Carolina's average wind speed at 80m height is 6.0 m/s
- Michigan's offshore wind energy potential is estimated at 483,936 MW
- Florida's offshore wind energy potential is estimated at 939,993 MW
- Mississippi's offshore wind energy potential is estimated at 116,395 MW
- Alabama's offshore wind energy potential is estimated at 49,440 MW
- South Carolina's offshore wind energy potential is estimated at 130,248 MW
Interpretation
When it comes to wind power, these states are blowing in different directions. Michigan may have the upper hand with its breezy average wind speed and impressive offshore energy potential. Meanwhile, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina seem to be stuck in a windless rut, with wind power densities struggling to even reach 200 W/m². Looks like it's not just their accents that are smooth and laid-back – their winds are pretty chill too. But hey, who needs wind power when you have sunshine and sweet tea, right?
Wind Speed Rankings
- Michigan is the least windy state with an average wind speed of 6.4 mph
- Florida is the second least windy state with an average wind speed of 7.5 mph
- Mississippi is the third least windy state with an average wind speed of 7.6 mph
- Alabama is the fourth least windy state with an average wind speed of 7.7 mph
- South Carolina is the fifth least windy state with an average wind speed of 7.8 mph
Interpretation
In a world where strong winds can blow you off course, these states have decided to take it easy and provide a gentle breeze for their residents. Michigan leads the pack as the least windy state, keeping things calm at 6.4 mph. Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina follow suit, with wind speeds that might just rustle your hair rather than mess up your hairstyle. Looks like these states prefer a light touch when it comes to atmospheric disturbances, proving that sometimes less really is more in the wind department.