Hello, I am French and I forecast to tour by bike through USA. I wanted to know if the best (to limit wind impact) is to travel from NYC to SF or the reverse direction ? Thanks . Joël
Wind direction in US ?
Pt, 2016-04-11 10:24
#1
WS Üyesi
Wind direction in US ?
You do not say what time of year but I am assuming not in the winter. GENERALLY, the wind blows from the SW in the southwestern and central states west of the Mississippi River. The eastern half of the USA is more variable and the winds are not as strong. Temperature might be more important depending on when you go.
I personally would ride it east to west but realistically, either direction would be fine. You might get a handful of more days with a tailwind west to east but then the sun is in your eyes most of the day assuming you get started early and end around 3:00pm or so.
Hope you enjoy the ride!
Joel
There are always exceptions, be we have what are called the "prevailing westerlies" which means the winds blow from the West to the East.
I agree with the replies above. West of the Mississippi River, westerly headwinds can be bad. More variable, and lighter, east of the Mississippi River. My experience has been that the westerlies are usually stronger than those from the east.
On the other hand, many don't like facing the morning sun and like to save the "best" for last, thus choose to ride east to west, in spite of prevailing winds.
So, pick your 'rathers' and go for it.
Hi,
Thank you very much for your quick and precise answer.
The bike tour would be about from April to July.
Joël
Generally, westerlies west of the Rockies... southerlies prevail in the interior... more variable east of the Appalachians.
The US land mass has 3 distinct weather patterns due to those major mountain ranges... along with the added anomalies the Jet Stream produces.
Perhaps temperature and humidity would be more crucial to consider.
It can be stifling in the eastern summer if you are not use to it, hardly able to cool properly even at rest... whereas you can majorly torch with dry, hot winds in the plains and the Western deserts... especially by June and July.
National Weather Service, NOAA, and any US weather site can offer historical data that would be useful for your plan.
A LOT of weather happens all across the country within your time frame, so research is good.
Six of one, half dozen of another.
Realize also... if the sun is in your eyes when on the road, it is also in the drivers eyes, so they may not see you very well... no matter which direction you are traveling.
Thank you very much for these additionnal comments.
The jet stream goes from the west to the east. In the summer you can probably expect winds from southwest. However, a lot of places it will go around corners!
Of course ! it was to have a general information. It is one criteria to choose the direction of travel. Thanks again at all.