If you thought March felt windier than usual — you were absolutely right.
This past March wasn’t just breezy — it was officially the windiest on record for several cities across the Central and Eastern U.S., according to data from the National Weather Service.
Why Was It So Windy?
Spring is typically known for being a bit blustery as seasons change. But this year, things were taken to a whole new level.
Meteorologists say an unusually active jet stream combined with frequent storm systems created a perfect recipe for non-stop wind throughout the month. The strong contrast between areas of high and low pressure kept the air constantly moving — and moving fast.
Cities That Smashed Records
Some of the hardest-hit areas for wind records included:
- Chicago, IL
- Omaha, NE
- Kansas City, MO
- Des Moines, IA
These cities didn’t just have a few windy days — their average wind speeds for the entire month were 2 to 4 mph higher than normal. That may not sound like much, but for monthly records, that’s a big deal.
What Were the Impacts?
The gusty conditions led to plenty of problems:
- Trees and power lines were knocked down
- Dust storms reduced visibility across the Plains
- Wildfire danger spiked in dry areas
- Air travel was affected with delays and rough landings
It was a challenging month for truck drivers, travelers, and anyone trying to enjoy the outdoors.
Will Windy Marches Become More Common?
It’s too early to say if this is the start of a long-term trend or just a particularly stormy spring. But meteorologists will definitely be keeping an eye on future wind patterns as the climate continues to change.
Either way, March 2025 will go down in the books as one of the windiest we’ve ever seen — and one that residents across the Midwest and Plains won’t forget anytime soon.