Nocturnal Maximum Winds in the Planetary Boundary Layer at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico

Abstract

Ninety-one cases of nocturnal low-level maximum winds are examined in detail and are classified into three basic types, based on the synoptic weather pattern existing at the time, and the average height above ground at which the maximum wind developed. Typical synoptic surface and 850-mb patterns associated with each of the three types are presented. The time of most frequent occurrence is discussed, certain factors which appear to be conducive to the development of significant low-level maximum winds are given, and some additional characteristics of the wind maxima are presented.