Driving across town on a windy day is one thing. Heading out on the open prairie is something else.
In the city, buildings, trees and the coulees break up the wind. Once you’re out on the highway, there’s nothing between you and the mountains but grass and fence lines. Gusts hit harder, come with less warning, and catch you broadside. That’s why you’ll see wind warnings for highway travel even when it doesn’t feel that bad at home.
Who feels it most
- Trucks, semis and empty trailers
- RVs, campers and anything with a topper or roof box
- Motorcycles
- Anyone towing
What to watch
- Gusts above about 70 km/h make high-sided vehicles hard to keep in the lane. Above 90 km/h, many drivers of empty trailers and RVs choose to wait it out.
- Crosswinds are worse than headwinds. A west wind on a north–south highway is the tough one.
- Blowing snow or dust can cut visibility to near zero in seconds, especially through open fields.
What to do
- Slow down. Lower speed gives you more time to correct after a gust.
- Keep both hands on the wheel and expect a push when you pass gaps in shelter belts, overpasses or big trucks.
- Leave extra room around semis and trailers. They move around more than you do.
- If you’re towing or driving something tall, check the wind before you leave and consider waiting for a calmer window.
Check the live wind and gusts at westlethbridgeweather.com before a trip, and read why our winds are so strong on the Wind in Lethbridge page.
Related: Live conditions at West Lethbridge Weather · Wind in Lethbridge