When is Big Wind Day?

It is observed on April 12 each year.

How do people celebrate Big Wind Day?

Look up the record-setting 231 mph wind gust recorded on Mount Washington — a record that stood for 62 years until Tropical Cyclone Olivia broke it in 1996.

Big Wind Day — Obscure Holiday Calendar

Overview

Big Wind Day, observed annually on April 12th, commemorates the astonishing day in 1934 when the highest surface wind speed ever directly measured by humans was recorded on Mount Washington, New Hampshire, USA. On this date, instruments at the summit observatory registered a wind gust of 231 miles per hour (372 km/h), a testament to the sheer power of nature and the extreme meteorological conditions found in certain parts of the world. The day serves as a reminder of Earth's powerful atmospheric forces.

Origin and story

The record wind speed of 231 mph (372 km/h) on Mount Washington was measured by a robust, hand-built anemometer.

This record for directly measured surface wind speed stood for 62 years, until a new record was set by Tropical Cyclone Olivia in Australia in 1996.

Quick facts

DateApril 12
TypeNature / Outdoors
Great forGardeners, Hikers, Eco clubs

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

Look up the 231 mph wind gust recorded on Mount Washington — the world record for 62 years.
Read about Tropical Cyclone Olivia, the storm that finally broke the record in 1996.
Check today's wind speed where you are and see how it compares — it won't come close.
Learn how the original 1934 anemometer was hand-built and still managed to capture that record gust.
If you're near a windy spot, go feel it for yourself — safely, from indoors if it's a real storm.

Learn more

Remembering the Big Wind (Mount Washington Observatory)

Fun facts

The record wind speed of 231 mph (372 km/h) on Mount Washington was measured by a robust, hand-built anemometer.
This record for directly measured surface wind speed stood for 62 years, until a new record was set by Tropical Cyclone Olivia in Australia in 1996.
Mount Washington is famously known for its extreme weather, experiencing hurricane-force winds on its summit an average of 110 days per year.

Sources and attribution

Remembering the Big Wind (Mount Washington Observatory)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is Big Wind Day?: It is observed on April 12 each year.
What is Big Wind Day?: Big Wind Day, observed annually on April 12th, commemorates the astonishing day in 1934 when the highest surface wind speed ever directly measured by humans was recorded on Mount Washington, New Hampshire, USA. On this date, instruments at the summit observatory registered a wind gust of 231 miles per hour (372 km/h), a testament to the sheer power of nature and the extreme meteorological conditions found in certain parts of the world. The day serves as a reminder of Earth's powerful atmospheric forces.
How do people celebrate Big Wind Day?: Look up the record-setting 231 mph wind gust recorded on Mount Washington — a record that stood for 62 years until Tropical Cyclone Olivia broke it in 1996.

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