There are places in the world where a windbreaker and headscarf just would not cut it. Places that are frequently whisked and whipped by tremendous, ultra-fast winds. Locations found on the map where levels range from 0 to 12 on the Beaufort scale. From 5 being between 19 to 24 miles per hour, considered to be a fresh breeze.
To 12 being winds registering 72 miles per hour and above or hurricane-force winds. The following are considered the world’s windiest whereabouts, from those that frequently experience extreme wind speeds. To places that have recorded the fastest wind speeds on the planet.
Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
A peninsula that could be found lying between the Faroe Islands and the northern tip of Scotland. This is considered to be the windiest location in the United Kingdom. The islands receive a decently gusty average yearly wind speed of 15 miles per hour. However, it is reported to have experienced more intense gusts of air reaching 173 miles per hour.
It was recorded in 1986 at the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse; however, it is an unofficial record. The device which recorded the wind speed was destroyed shortly after by violent gusts. Shetland, which contains over 100 islands, 15 of which are inhabited, typically has the benefit of relatively mild weather. The strongest winds are seen during winter, at times reaching hurricane force speeds in excess of 72mph.
Aviemore, United Kingdom
This is a popular Scottish ski resort town. Extreme gusts hit the snowy summit of Cairngorm Mountain at a brutal 173 miles per hour. This occurred in March of 1986. Cairngorm means Blue Hill, it is expected that exposed extremities would have turned that color on that day.
The top of the mountain is normally pounded by strong blusters, plus there are claims that winds have reached upwards of 194mph. This claim was made in 2008 and would have superseded the 1986 reported speed. However, the wind monitoring device wiped the data without any official reading or prints.
Mount Everest, Nepal & China
This monstrous mountain that has a summit that sits astride the border of Nepal and China is infamous for extremes. It is known as the highest mountain above the level of the sea, it is potentially the most famous mountain on the planet. Reaching the summit at more than 29,000 feet and coming face to face with the impact of the altitude is not an easy feat.
Add in blizzards with wind speeds of up to 175mph and this feat becomes unfeasible. This recorded wind speed falls in the range of category 5 hurricanes, which is classified at 157mph or above. In the winter extreme gusts top speeds in excess of 100mph, with May to September being considered the calmest period. This period is known to be the best for trying to make an ascent.
