Some questions from a frustrated newbie

[Nature]

A number of factors could be at play here or combination thereof.
Being where I live, I contend with the wind frequently.
Usually, the wind causes the opposite; the wrapper, particularly on one side, burns faster than the core and becomes lopsided.

• Could be humidity? Many here prefer to store cigars at lower RH than 68-69. I Keep mine more around 64-66, and sometimes a bit lower. In some eyes, 68-69 is too high. You just need to find what is right for you.
• If it was kept at a lower humidity prior and you have been storing at 68-69, there could be a greater differential between the core and the wrapper/binder leaves resulting in tunneling. Maybe it wasn't quite acclimated/even in RH yet. I don't know how long you've had this cigar in your possession. A rule of thumb often stated is 1% in RH per week acclimation rate.
• Prematurely knocking the ash off could also cause uneven burning. The ash acts as a buffer and insulator for burning temperature.
• A puff every 30 seconds or so seems a bit fast which could also result in uneven burning issues. Again, more experience will guide you to the optimum rate, which may vary from cigar-cigar or conditions. A guideline is one puff every minute (with some variability in what is defined as a "puff".)
• OR, it could just be the cigar specimen.

Don't get too frustrated though, there's always another cigar!