Purdue: Wind turbines change the weather; help crops

FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- More wind turbines are popping up across Indiana, but they're not just altering the landscape. They're changing the weather!

Last fall, meteorology students at Purdue University studied wind farms in central Indiana and their effects on crops.

They found the turbines circulate air like a fan. That has a huge impact on the temperature!

"The wind turbines increase the temperature at night by almost five-degrees. They also dry out the air as it moves downwind. But it's the opposite effect during the daytime. It makes the air cooler,” said Purdue Meteorologist Meghan Henschen.

Milder summer nights and cooler afternoons mean a longer growing season.

Drier air prevents mold and fungus, producing better yields.

Purdue will conduct the study again this year, next time, with water added to the soil.