The wind is a natural phenomenon that occurs when air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. Wind can have various effects on the environment and human activities. For example, wind can create waves, erode soil, disperse seeds, generate electricity, and influence weather patterns. Wind can also affect the comfort and well-being of people. Some people enjoy the breeze and the thrill of wind sports, such as sailing, surfing, kite flying, and paragliding. Others find wind annoying and disruptive, as it can cause noise, dust, allergies, hair problems, and damage to property.
Top 10 Least Windy Cities in America
If you are one of those who prefer calm and serene weather, you might be wondering which cities in the US have the lowest average wind speeds. In this article, we will list the top 10 least windy cities in the US based on data from City-Data.com and USA by Numbers. These cities have an average annual wind speed of less than 9 miles per hour, which is much lower than the national average of 12.4 miles per hour. Most of these cities are located in Arizona and Oregon, which have hot desert and Mediterranean climates respectively. These cities offer calm and pleasant weather for those who prefer low-wind conditions. However, keep in mind that wind speed is not the only factor that affects the weather and climate of a place. You should also consider other aspects such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, air quality, and natural disasters before making your decision.
#10. Surprise, Arizona
Surprise is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, with a population of about 123,546. It is located about 20 miles northwest of Phoenix and is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Surprise has an average annual wind speed of 8 miles per hour, which makes it one of the least windy cities in the US. Surprise also has a hot desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. The city gets only 9 inches of rain per year and has 299 sunny days.
#9. San Tan Valley, Arizona
San Tan Valley is a census-designated place in Pinal County, Arizona, with a population of about 81,321. It is located about 45 miles southeast of Phoenix and is named after the nearby San Tan Mountains. San Tan Valley has an average annual wind speed of 8 miles per hour, which makes it one of the least windy cities in the US. San Tan Valley also has a hot desert climate with very hot summers and cool winters. The place gets only 10 inches of rain per year and has 296 sunny days.
#8. North Pinal, Arizona
North Pinal is a census-designated place in Pinal County, Arizona, with a population of about 100,105. It is located about 50 miles southeast of Phoenix and encompasses several communities such as Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, and Queen Valley. North Pinal has an average annual wind speed of 8 miles per hour, which makes it one of the least windy cities in the US. North Pinal also has a hot desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. The place gets only 11 inches of rain per year and has 294 sunny days.
#7. Salem, Oregon
Salem is the capital and the second-largest city of Oregon, with a population of about 160,614. It is located about 50 miles south of Portland and is situated on the Willamette River. Salem has an average annual wind speed of 8 miles per hour, which makes it one of the least windy cities in the US. Salem also has a Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers and cool and wet winters. The city gets about 40 inches of rain per year and has 155 sunny days.
#6. Casa Grande, Arizona
Casa Grande is a city in Pinal County, Arizona, with a population of about 50,111. It is located about halfway between Phoenix and Tucson and is named after the nearby Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. Casa Grande has an average annual wind speed of 8 miles per hour, which makes it one of the least windy cities in the US. Casa Grande also has a hot desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. The city gets only 9 inches of rain per year and has 292 sunny days.
#5. San Marcos, Texas
San Marcos is a city in Hays County, Texas, with a population of about 54,076. It is located about halfway between Austin and San Antonio and is home to Texas State University. San Marcos has an average annual wind speed of 8 miles per hour, which makes it one of the least windy cities in the US. San Marcos also has a humid subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The city gets about 34 inches of rain per year and has 228 sunny days.
#4. Albany, Oregon
Albany is a city in Linn and Benton counties, Oregon, with a population of about 51,583. It is located about 70 miles south of Portland and is known as the rare metals capital of the world. Albany has an average annual wind speed of 8 miles per hour, which makes it one of the least windy cities in the US. Albany also has a Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers and cool and wet winters. The city gets about 40 inches of rain per year and has 155 sunny days
#3. Arivaca, Arizona
Arivaca is an unincorporated community in Pima County, Arizona, with a population of about 695. It is located about 11 miles north of the Mexican border and 35 miles northwest of the Nogales port of entry. Arivaca has an average annual wind speed of 8 miles per hour, which makes it one of the least windy cities in the US. Arivaca also has a hot desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. The place gets only 16 inches of rain per year and has 286 sunny days.
#2. Casas Adobes, Arizona
Casas Adobes is a census-designated place in Pima County, Arizona, with a population of about 66,795. It is located about 10 miles north of Tucson and is part of the Tucson metropolitan area. Casas Adobes has an average annual wind speed of 8 miles per hour, which makes it one of the least windy cities in the US. Casas Adobes also has a hot desert climate with very hot summers and cool winters. The place gets only 12 inches of rain per year and has 285 sunny days.
#1. Catalina Foothills, Arizona
Catalina Foothills is a census-designated place in Pima County, Arizona, with a population of about 50,796. It is located about 8 miles north of Tucson and is nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Catalina Foothills has an average annual wind speed of 7 miles per hour, which makes it the least windy city in the US. Catalina Foothills also has a hot desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. The place gets only 13 inches of rain per year and has 285 sunny days.
Conclusion
In this article, we have listed the top 10 least windy cities in the US based on data from City-Data.com and USA by Numbers. These cities have an average annual wind speed of less than 9 miles per hour, which is much lower than the national average of 12.4 miles per hour. Most of these cities are located in Arizona and Oregon, which have hot desert and Mediterranean climates respectively. These cities offer calm and pleasant weather for those who prefer low-wind conditions. However, wind speed is not the only factor that affects the weather and climate of a place. You should also consider other aspects such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, air quality, and natural disasters before making your decision.