Which type of conditions can exacerbate off-target drift?

Increasing wind speeds can greatly exacerbate off-target drift during aerial application of pesticides. When wind speeds rise, the potential for pesticides to be carried away from the intended target area significantly increases. The force of the wind can lift droplets or particles from the application area and transport them over a larger distance, leading to unintended exposure to non-target areas, such as neighboring crops, water bodies, or residential zones.

Calm weather generally reduces drift potential as there is less air movement to carry particles away. Higher humidity can sometimes aid in reducing drift by causing droplets to coalesce and fall to the ground more effectively, while stable temperatures are often beneficial in maintaining consistent application conditions. Therefore, the increasing wind speeds are a critical factor in understanding and managing the risks associated with off-target drift during aerial pesticide applications.