Climatic wind data in this summary were extracted from the NCDC's Edited Local Climatological Data publication, Air Force and Navy climatic briefs, and other sources. The total period of this summary is 1930-1996, though the period of record (POR) for which wind data is summarized varies for individual locations, and may begin and end at any time during the 1930-1996 period. Wind summaries from a total of 321 stations from all U.S. states are presented. The wind elements summarized by month and overall annual values include prevailing wind directions (given in compass points), mean wind speeds, and either peak gusts (in miles per hour), fastest-mile, or highest 5-second winds. Peak wind types may be combined to reflect the highest reported wind. Updated wind data for many sites can be obtained from the post 1996 Edited Local Climatological Data - Annual publications.

Additional resources may also be found at the National Wind Technology Center web site, including the Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the United States publication.