Why do wind speeds peak between 12pm-4pm?

Question

I'm looking for specific scientific reasoning if possible such as barametric pressure, high pressure systems, low pressure systems, friction, solar heating etc. I will be soooo greatful! Thanks

Answer 1

Vickylu, This is a good question. The reason wind speeds peak between 12 and 4 pm is because that is when temperatures peak. Even though the maximum solar insolation is at noon it takes a while for the earth to reach its maximum temperature and radiate longwave infrared radiation into the atmosphere warming the air at that point to its max for the day. Because of the differences in soil types and other surface differences, unequal maximum heating will occur around 3 - 4 p.m. Hope this helps a bit.

Answer 2

I would imagine that is the time when the sun has heated the ground and other things the most. Differential heating (like heating the land vs. the sea) is what causes convection currents, and once energy stops being put into the system, the wind dies down.

The wind CAN blow at night obviously, since more macro effects like low pressure systems don't depend on hourly inputs of energy, and then the sea breeze changes around when the land cools faster than the ocean. But the most thermal energy is present from 12-4pm.

Answer 3

It could be dependent on where you live. The sun is travelling east to west. So where I live, the sun is heating up the area inland of myself. The hot air rises and sucks in the air around. So by afternoon, the wind is rushing through my area because the inland area is sucking in all the air.

Answer 4

I don't know if that is accurate. Here in Chicago we are expecting -10 windchills tonight. The wind can really pick up out here at night.