The Permian Basin, known for its significant oil production, may be experiencing an increase in high wind events. According to the National Weather Service, the region has seen more high wind and dust warning days in recent years. In the past three years, the number was significantly higher than the 10-year average.
“We’re seeing more high wind events than we were 10 to 15 years ago. Every year it seems like we’re getting more and more powerful winds, more frequent high wind days,” National Weather Service meteorologist, Todd Lindley, was quoted saying. Lindley is based in the Lubbock, Texas, location add further noted that his office issued 72 high wind events warnings in 2022, marking a dramatic increase compared to the record of 43 in 2014.
The situation in the Permian Basin has been worsening to a point that companies have started preparing for potential business interruptions. The primary concern is the transportation of oil and other products due to the increased dust events, which, like high winds, often lead to visibility issues. Hauling companies are developing strategies to keep their workers safe and mitigate potential operational disruptions.
The issue could turn into a larger problem for the U.S. as the Permian Basin plays a significant role in the country’s oil industry. As one of the leading oil-producing regions, any substantial disruption could have a significant impact on oil prices and the national economy.
David Hunn of the Houston Chronicle had reported earlier this year that, as climate change intensifies, the southwest region is becoming drier and windier. Moreover, these changing weather patterns are affecting industries beyond oil production, including agriculture and construction.
Scientists from Texas Tech University are currently studying whether these changes, specifically the increased wind, is due to climate change. In an interview with InsideClimate News, Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech said, “We’re just starting to see the attributes now, but they are consistent with what we expect to see in a changing climate.”
While there’s still scientific work to be done to definitively link these events to climate change, the increased high winds and dust events are creating significant challenges in the Permian Basin. The implications in terms of safety, industry operations, and possible wider economic impacts are matters of concern that require continued monitoring and planning.
Lindley from the National Weather Service concludes, “It’s something we’re going to be dealing with increasingly as we go forward, unfortunately.”
Last modified: April 5, 2025
