Catch the Breeze

By Clara Wodny on May 16, 2025 in Blog

Rising temperatures and longer days aren’t the only indication of spring! It’s time to welcome a new weather phenomenon: wind. Due to changes in atmospheric pressure, spring tends to be the windiest season in Iowa.

At this time of year, there is a significant difference in temperature between the northern and southern United States. These temperature contrasts result in air masses with differing pressures and densities. As the atmosphere attempts to create equilibrium, air in high-pressure areas flows to areas of low-pressure, leading to very strong winds.

Another factor that influences wind frequency and speed is the Polar Jet Stream, a fast-moving belt of western winds that traverses the lower layers of the atmosphere. By late March and April, the jet stream moves over Iowa, keeping wind speeds higher and stronger.

Whether or not you are a fan of wind, there is no doubt that it serves important and valuable roles in the ecosystem. For one, wind is beneficial to migrating birds, as it helps them conserve energy and travel farther distances. It is also an essential component of pollination and seed dispersal, carrying seeds to new locations and improving biodiversity.

And remember, windy weather does not have to be a sentence to go back inside! There are plenty of outdoor activities that are made possible by wind.

Try flying a kite! If you don’t have your own, you can make a simple one with construction paper, tape, a wooden dowel and some string or ribbon. If you’re feeling confident in your kite construction skills, you can upgrade to more advanced designs using other materials — try experimenting! Once you have a kite, take it outside and find an open space with plenty of room to run. The windier it is, the higher your kite will fly!

While you’re outside, see if you can determine the wind’s direction. One way to do this is by dipping your finger in water and holding it up in the air away from your body. The side of your finger that gets cold signifies the direction the wind is coming from. You can also hold an object in the air—such as string, a ribbon, or bandana, and pay attention to which way the wind makes it flutter.

Next time it is windy outside, grab a coat to stay warm but don’t be afraid to head out and explore! No matter the weather, there is always fun and adventure to be had in nature.