In Aalborg, cyclists are more likely to get caught in rainy weather on their way to and from work compared to other major Danish cities. This is according to a new study by the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI), which analyzed rainfall patterns in the country’s four largest cities over the past ten years. According to DMI’s data, 5.1% of all bike trips in Aalborg took place during rainy conditions in the critical morning hours between 8 and 9 a.m. and again in the afternoon hours between 4 and 5 p.m. This is the highest percentage compared to Copenhagen, where only 4.2% of trips were rainy. Odense and Aarhus are closer to Aalborg with 4.8% and 4.9%, respectively.
Herdis Preil Damberg, a meteorologist at DMI, explains that geographic location plays a significant role in this difference. “Denmark is located in the westerly belt of winds, which means that we often receive low-pressure systems from the west. These bring more precipitation, which first hits the west coast and then moves eastward, gradually diminishing,” says Damberg. Season is also a crucial factor for cyclists looking to avoid getting soaking wet on their way to work. Spring is generally the driest period, particularly due to the so-called “Easterly winds,” which bring dry and sunny weather from the east. This information can be useful for commuter cyclists who may be considering adjusting their travel times or clothing based on the season and place of residence to avoid the wettest times of the day.