Wind in southwest

[Johnny W.]

I am trying to prove to a friend that it is consistantly more windy in the southwest part of the state. Im down that way often and its always windier down there than in minny, but i cant find the numbers to prove it?

this link doesnt help me

http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/uni ... oux-falls/
http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/uni ... is-stpaul/

anyone have any better data? Am i wrong? Help!! Thanks!!

[Johnny W.]

I dont mean for this to be a negative thing tword wind in the twin cities area what so ever. After reading my post a few hours later, I realize it may have come accross that way, which wasnt my intention. Just curious why there is more wind down there since there isnt a huge diff in topography...

[Tighe]

There used to be a map with wind averages on it for the state. I have no idea where I had found it, I'll try to look in old versions of the site.

Basically it had colored zones for wind strength, with the SW part of the state being the darkest and then getting lower and lower as you go NE. NSP realized this when they put up their wind farms down there. Not sure why, but it is definately windier, on average, down there.

[scottchapman]

http://www.wgtn.net/wow/windclaims.htm

The map is on the WOW site under wind claims.

There is a higher ridge in SW MN so that is part of the reason for the higher winds there. My theory is that the cooler Great Lakes keep the biggest wind away from us in the metro on avarage. Unless a strong low pressure system makes it here. SW MN is just outside of the Great Lakes Bubble....or Triangle.....So wind coming off the high planes and shooting around the Great Lakes....???

[Tighe]

[Stroh]

verry cool find, looks like there is some wind up by ottertail and rush lakes