The diurnal cycle and temporal trends of surface winds

Winds play an essential role in the climate system. In this study, we analyze global pattern of diurnal cycle surface (10 m) winds from ERA5 reanalysis data. We find that over land and especially sand dune regions, maximal wind speed drift potential (DP) occur during hours around midday. However, ocean, also peaks at night. Using sensible heat flux, show weaker night are due to a nocturnal cooling decouples upper atmospheric levels their associated stronger -- is much smaller ocean. data more than 400 meteorological stations USA similar trend as The timing (during day) maximum has not varied past 70 years. Yet, speed, power, exhibit significant increases with time ocean and, lesser degree, regions. compare Europe DP significantly underestimates real winds; however, temporal patterns two similar.