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Some Results of the Analysis of Number of Days with Strong 

Wind in Various Regions of Georgia in 2019-2022 

Nazibrola Beglarashvili1, Mikheil Pipia1,2*, Nino Jamrishvili2, Inga Janelidze
3 

Abstract 

The entire country is at an increased risk of hazardous meteorological events as a result of climate change. This 

includes a rise in the frequency of strong winds, which represents a substantial challenge to the country's economy. 

The objective of our research is to identify the locations in Georgia that have seen high wind speeds during the 

past four years. The research examines the spatial distribution of high-velocity winds (defined as a wind speed 

equal to or greater than 15 m/s) in specific regions of Georgia throughout the time frame from 2019 to 2022. 

Analysed and processed wind data from 12 meteorological stations in Georgia. By analysing the data from 

meteorological stations, we created tables and graphs that display the monthly and station-specific numbers for 

the frequency of strong winds. The study period has revealed the focal points where high wind development 

occurs. An analysis is conducted on instances of powerful wind as a hazardous meteorological phenomenon in 

the region of Georgia. The rise in the frequency of strong winds has garnered significant attention, particularly 

within the framework of climate change. 

Keywords: strong wind, climate, dangerous meteorological events, climate change 

Introduction 

Strong winds are a hazardous meteorological phenomenon that causes substantial damage to the 

economies of nations. The strength of the wind is directly proportional to its velocity; the higher the 

wind velocity is, the more pronounced its negative impact. A wind is classified as strong when its 

maximum speed is equal to or greater than 15 m/s. 

The wind patterns in Georgia are influenced by the overall atmospheric circulation, geographical 

position, and topography. The complex topography of Georgia, including plains, hills, valleys, and 

ridges, causes the occurrence of local winds in the lower layers of the atmosphere. These winds have 

different speeds and directions compared to the general circulation patterns. Furthermore, the uneven 

distribution of solar radiation on mountainous features leads to significant disparities in their radiation 

and heat balances, resulting in the formation of local thermal winds with varying speeds and directions 

[1]. 

Georgia's diverse topography gives rise to varying climate characteristics, such as wind patterns. In 

flat regions, the climate tends to be relatively stable, while in mountainous areas, microscale changes 

occur due to the influence of the local topography, including factors such as orography, steepness, and 

shading. In the mountainous areas of Georgia, the number of days with strong winds varies from 0.2 

(Chrebalo) to 222 (Mount Sabueti) due to the influence of various factors, including general circulation 

processes, as well as the magnitude and direction of the average and maximum wind speed. 

In recent times, numerous studies have focused on investigating strong winds, storms, and tornadoes, 

leading to the identification of hazardous wind areas throughout the territory of Georgia [2-16]. This 

research examines the occurrence of strong winds (≥15 m/s) in specific regions of Georgia for the period 

from 2019 to 2022. The study period in various locations of Georgia has allowed for the identification 

of the focal points of strong wind production, as well as the analysis of the dynamics and trends of 

strong winds. 

Methods and Materials 

This part of the paper also includes the study area. All tables should be editable (avoid image files). 

The title should be written above the table. 

 
1 Department of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Forecasting/Institute of Hydrometeorology, Georgian 

Technical University, Tbilisi, Georgia 
2 Sector of Atmospheric physics/M. Nodia Institute of Geophysics, Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, 

Tbilisi, Georgia 
3 Georgian Technical University, Tbilisi, Georgia 
* Corresponding author: m.pipia@gtu.ge 

 

mailto:m.pipia@gtu.ge


Beglarishvili et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2023, Vol.3 (2) 

Results 

As a result of processing the above data, we compiled a table (Table 1), which allows us to some 

extent to highlight some regions and municipalities where the threat of strong winds has recently been 

observed. 

 
Table 1. Average number of days with strong winds in some regions of Georgia in 2019-2022 

Region 
Month 

Annual 
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII 

Akhaltsikhe 0 0 0.5 0 1.3 0.3 1 0 0.3 0 0 0 2.4 

Ambrolauri 0 0 1.3 0.8 0.3 1 1 0.3 0 0 0 0.3 5 

Bakuriani 16 14.5 5.8 8.8 6.5 10.5 7.8 8.3 2.8 4.5 5.5 8.5 99.5 

Bolnisi 0.5 2 0.8 0.8 0 0 0.5 0 0.8 0 0.3 0 5.7 

Gori 2.3 2.8 3 3.5 5.8 3 2.5 2.3 1.5 0.8 1.3 1.3 50.8 

Mount-Sabueti 1.5 2.5 6.8 2 2.8 2.8 1.8 3.3 3.3 4.8 3 4 38.6 

Photi 5.3 2 1.8 1.8 1.8 0.8 0.3 0.8 0.5 3.5 3.8 4.3 24.9 

Kobuleti 6.3 5 4.3 2.8 4.5 2 1.8 1.5 3.8 4.3 3.5 3.3 43.1 

Kutaisi 8.5 6.5 9.3 5.8 5.8 4.3 3 6.5 5.8 9.8 11.5 12.5 89.3 

Sachkhere 0.5 0 0.8 1 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.3 0 0 0 0 3.9 

Tbilisi 4.8 5 6 4.8 6.8 3.5 4.8 1.3 2.5 3 3.5 1.3 47.3 

Zugdidi 1 0.5 0.5 0 0.8 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 0.8 1.5 0.5 8.1 

 

Out of the 12 districts listed in Table 1, strong winds (≥15 m/s), when their number on average does 

not exceed 10 days per year, are observed only in 5 districts (Akhaltsikhe, Ambrolauri, Bolnisi, 

Sachkhere, Zugdidi), while in 7 districts (Bakuriani, Gori, Mount-Sabueti, Poti, Kobuleti, Kutaisi, 

Tbilisi), the average annual number of days of strong wind is more than 24 days, which is a very 

noteworthy fact. 

Based on Table 1, histograms were compiled (Figs. 1, 2), showing the distribution of the average 

number of days of strong winds both by month (Fig. 1) and by year (Fig. 2) during the study period in 

some regions of Georgia. 

 

 

Figure 1. Distribution of the average number of days with strong winds (≥ 15 m/s) by month in some regions of Georgia 

(2019-2022) 

It can be seen from Fig. 1 that the maximum average number of days of strong wind according to 

months will be observed in January and February (Bakuriani), 16 and 14.5 days, respectively. 

Additionally, November and December (Kutaisi) stand out, with 11.5 and 12.5 days, respectively. June 

(Bakuriani) is also characterized by an indicator of more than 10 days. 

 

0

5

10

15

20

I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII

Day

Akhaltsikhe Ambrolauri Bakuriani Bolnisi Gori Mt-Sabueti

Photi Kobuleti Kutaisi Sachkhere Tbilisi Zugdidi



Beglarishvili et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2023, Vol.3 (2) 

 

Figure 2. Average annual number of days with strong wind (≥ 15 m/s) in some regions of Georgia (2019-2022) 

 

As is clear from section 2, the Bakuriani area is outstanding, where the average annual number of 

strong winds for the research period, when the wind speed is greater than or equal to 15 m/s, is almost 

100 days. Additionally, Kutaisi is outstanding, where the average annual number of days for the 

research period is almost 90 days. A high rate of the average annual number of strong wind days is also 

recorded in the territory of Gori (60 days), Tbilisi (47 days), Mta-Sabueti (39 days) and Black Seaside 

(Kobuleti 43 days). For the lowest indicator, the Akhaltsikhe and Sachkhere districts stand out here, 

where the average number of strong wind days is less than 5 during the year. 

 

Discussion 

Our research results show that strong winds (≥ 15 m/s) have been common in recent years. In our 

opinion, this is due to climate change. Since the 1990s, we have been in an active phase of global 

warming, which has led to the intensification of various dangerous meteorological phenomena, such as 

drought, hail, frost, and heavy rainfall, including an increase in strong winds. Global warming causes 

changes in atmospheric circulation processes, so the intensity of strong winds is increasing not only in 

Georgia but also throughout the world. 

Climate change has a significant impact on the increase in strong winds and storms, as evidenced by 

the number of catastrophic storms and hurricanes recorded in almost every part of the world in recent 

years. For example: 

• In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew killed 877 people in Haiti [19]. 

• In September 2021, severe flooding caused by hurricane "Ida" killed at least 44 people [20]. 

• In October 2023, Hurricane "Otis" killed at least 48 people in the Mexican city of Acapulco 

[21]. 

• In December 2017, the tropical storm "Tembin" killed more than 180 people in the southern 

Philippines [22]. 

In recent years, sudden hurricanes have been recorded in some regions of Georgia. The increasing 

number of such cases encourages us to deepen research in this direction. Our goal is to study the current 

situation with hazardous meteorological phenomena in Georgia to facilitate the implementation of 

appropriate preventive measures throughout the country. 

Conclusion 

Based on the data from the past four years (2019-2022) in the studied regions of Georgia, the late 

autumn and winter months of November, December, January, and February stand out in terms of the 

frequency of strong winds. During this period, there are an average of 11-16 days with strong winds. 

Based on the research period, two areas (Kutaisi and Bakuriani) were found with an average yearly 

occurrence of 90-100 days of strong winds. 

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Day



Beglarishvili et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2023, Vol.3 (2) 

Based on the study, the majority of locations in Georgia experience strong winds for more than 24 

days per year on average. This might result in higher economic damage in these areas, affecting both 

infrastructure and agriculture. 

Climate change increases multiple natural processes, requiring continuing studies to investigate 

strong winds and other hazardous meteorological phenomena. This will enhance our capacity to 

mitigate natural disasters. 

Competing interests 

The authors declare that they have no competing interests. 

Authors’ contribution 

N.B. is the author of the idea. Performed the analysis of results and supervised the writing of the 

article. M. P. Analysed the database, participated in the analysis of the obtained results and reviewed 

the manuscript. N J. participated in the calculations, analysis of the obtained results, and review of the 

manuscript of the article. I J. participated in the calculations and review of the manuscript of the article. 

Acknowledgements 

The research was conducted with the assistance of the "Shota Rustaveli National Science Bond of 

Georgia" [grant number FR-22-2882]. 

 

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