If you are biker, or any other kind of outdoor enthusiast, you need to pay attention to advisories other than those for severe storms. Wind advisories and high wind warnings are issued to alert us to conditions that are outside of the ordinary and may be hazardous. The criteria for these advisories vary from state to state, but they are generally issued for winds not related to thunderstorms and that will be greater than 25 miles per hour, or when gusts will be greater than 45 miles per hour. Calm winds at sunrise can easily give way to the higher winds during the day, so it is important to check the forecasts, and if possible, continue to do so occasionally through the day. Just one consequence of the higher winds can be greater evaporation and the need for more water. Planning for the conditions – with appropriate clothing, sufficient water, and favorable routes – can help maximize your enjoyment, as well as your safety.
Mary Knapp, Weather Data Library
mknapp@ksu.edu