Research finds changing wind patterns

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) – Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have found declining inland wind speeds in southern New England.

According to new information, the average wind speeds in the region have fallen inland by about 15% while remaining steady offshore.

Researchers at URI Graduate School of Oceanography found that winds speeds at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick fell from about 9 knots to 7.7 knots from 1975 to last year.

They fell from about 8.2 knots to 7 knots at the airport in New Bedford, Massachusetts from 1973 to last year.

Wind speeds recorded at a buoy at the mouth of Buzzards Bay found they remained steady at about 15 knots over the last 25 years.

Researchers suggest several reasons, including changing weather patterns, urbanization and possibly climate change.