Corpus Christi weather is no stranger to strong winds—a fact well-known to South Texas residents. Now, a recent study confirms just how breezy this coastal city truly is.
Corpus Christi Lands in the Top 5 Windiest Cities in the U.S.
Corpus Christi weather ranks among the windiest in the nation, according to a recent report from real estate brokerage Redfin. The city places fourth among U.S. cities with populations over 100,000, based on annual average wind speeds. Notably, Corpus Christi recorded an impressive 11.7 miles per hour, highlighting just how breezy life is along the Texas Gulf Coast.
What truly sets Corpus Christi apart, however, is the consistency of its wind. While Midwestern cities often see gusts that spike during specific seasons, Corpus Christi experiences steady breezes throughout the year. According to Redfin, this is due to summer winds flowing in from the Gulf of Mexico, whereas winter and spring winds typically arrive from the west and northwest. As a result, wind speeds in the city usually remain between 10 and 13 mph, offering a level of consistency that’s rare among other windy U.S. cities.
Wildfire Concerns Amid Wind and Drought
While Corpus Christi’s persistent winds are often seen as a defining feature, they aren’t always welcome. In fact, recently, the area faced a series of wildfires, which were fueled by a dangerous combination of ongoing drought conditions and strong gusts. As a result, several homes were lost, and authorities issued extended red flag warnings throughout the region. Consequently, firefighters and emergency crews have remained on high alert, as the dry and windy weather continues to elevate fire risks.
A Hurricane’s Mark: Corpus Christi’s Strongest Wind Gust
Corpus Christi also holds a unique record in the rankings. In 1970, Hurricane Celia blasted the city with a staggering 161 mph wind gust—the highest wind speed among the top 10 cities listed by Redfin and the strongest ever caused by a hurricane in the ranking.
Who’s Windier? Other Cities on the List
Corpus Christi isn’t alone in its gusty reputation. Here’s how it compares to the rest of the top 10 windiest cities in the U.S.:
- Amarillo, Texas
- Rochester, Minnesota
- Lubbock, Texas
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Wichita, Kansas
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Wichita Falls, Texas
- Fargo, North Dakota
- Abilene, Texas
The Nation’s Calmest Cities
In contrast, Redfin also highlighted the 10 least windy cities where calm breezes dominate:
- Los Angeles, CA – 1.9 mph
- Chattanooga, TN – 5.0 mph
- Tallahassee, FL – 5.5 mph
- Augusta, GA – 5.5 mph
- Long Beach, CA – 5.6 mph
- Montgomery, AL – 5.9 mph
- Macon, GA – 5.9 mph
- Gainesville, FL – 6.0 mph
- Columbus, GA – 6.0 mph
- Knoxville, TN – 6.0 mph
Final Thoughts
Corpus Christi’s wind may be iconic, but it’s more than a breezy backdrop. From influencing weather patterns to intensifying wildfire threats, the city’s wind patterns play a key role in shaping life along the Texas coast.