How does wind speed affect de-icing effectiveness?

High wind speeds can significantly impact the effectiveness of de-icing operations due to their ability to disperse de-icing fluids before they have a chance to properly interact with the ice or snow on a surface. When strong winds are present, the de-icing fluid may evaporate or blow away quickly, limiting the amount that remains in contact with the ice. This premature dispersal can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the de-icing process by preventing the proper melting action of the chemicals, which rely on sufficient surface contact time to function effectively. Therefore, while de-icing fluids are designed to combat ice and snow accumulation, high winds can undermine their effectiveness, making controlled application under calmer conditions more effective for successful de-icing.