The highest natural wind gust ever recorded reached 253 mph (407 km/h).
Understanding Record-Breaking Wind Speeds
The maximum natural wind gust ever officially recorded occurred on April 10, 1996, on Barrow Island, Australia. This extraordinary speed was measured during the passage of a tropical cyclone over the isolated island. This record is recognized and maintained by the World Weather and Climate Extremes Archive, which is managed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the authoritative body for international cooperation on weather and climate.
Details of the Record-Breaking Gust
This specific event stands out as the most powerful recorded natural wind gust, demonstrating the extreme forces that can be generated by severe weather phenomena like tropical cyclones.
Here's a summary of the record:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Speed | 253 mph (407 km/h) |
| Location | Barrow Island, Australia |
| Date | April 10, 1996 |
| Cause | Tropical Cyclone |
| Authority | World Meteorological Organization (WMO) |
Context of Wind Speed Measurement
Wind speed records are typically categorized into sustained winds and wind gusts.
- Sustained winds are average wind speeds measured over a specific period, usually one or two minutes, indicating the general strength of a storm.
- Wind gusts are sudden, brief increases in wind speed, often lasting only a few seconds. The record on Barrow Island refers to a wind gust, representing the instantaneous peak force experienced.
It's important to distinguish between these measurements, as gusts are almost always significantly higher than sustained winds during extreme weather events. The 253 mph (407 km/h) recording is the highest natural wind gust ever documented by official meteorological organizations.
