Windy Days in Boise, Idaho: ~118 Per Year (NCEI Data)

According to NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Boise, Idaho experiences an average of 118 days per year with sustained winds ≥10 mph (16 km/h / 8.7 knots).

Context

• Windiest months: March–June (spring pressure gradients).
• Calmest months: October–January.
• Peak gusts: Can exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) during cold fronts / thunderstorms.
• Comparison: Higher than national average (~90 days); lower than "Windy City" Chicago (~130 days at same threshold) or Great Plains locations.

Why Boise Is Windy

• Gap winds through the Boise River Valley (mountain-valley channeling).
• Downslope winds from the Rockies (chinook-like).
• Spring frontal passages across the Intermountain West.

Impact

• Wind energy potential (several wind farms nearby: Elkhorn Valley, Willow Creek).
• Dust events (playa dust from ancient Lake Terreton).
• Fire weather risk (critical in summer/fall).
• Urban comfort: Wind chill in winter; natural cooling in summer.

Data source: NCEI Comparative Climatic Data, 1991–2020 normals for Boise Air Terminal (KBOI).