Windrose Plots

Windrose plots are a graphical method of protraying wind patterns over a period of time at a specific location.  Numerous wind monitoring stations are located across the country; free data from each station can be obtained at the Lakes Environmental Web Site.

The following widrose plots were constructed from the WRPLOT software, which is also available from Lakes Environmental.  Figure 1 demonstrates the wind pattern distribution in Macon, GA on July 17, 1991; the graph is directional, meaning it shows from which direction the wind was blowing.

Figure 1

Figure 2 demonstrates the same information as Figure 1, with the exception of direction.  Figure 2 depicts a flow vector; to which direction the wind was blowing.

Figure 2

Figure 3 depicts the yearly average wind data in Macon, Georgia throughout the 1991 calendar year.  It is formatted to demonstrate from which direction the wind was blowing.

For more information about wind monitoring and windrose plots, see the EPA's site at epa.gov.