Local winds
Published on 31 Jan 2025
Local winds are winds that are influenced by specific geographical features, such as the local topography and temperature variations. Local winds are more confined to specific regions.
Chinook Winds: Hot and dry winds along Rocky Mountains. Also known as snow eater as it keeps the grasslands clear of snow during much of the winter.
Foehn: Hot and dry wind along Alps. The temperature of the wind varies between 15°C and 20°C. The wind helps animal grazing by melting snow and aids the ripening of grapes.
Sirocco: Hot and moist wind along Mediterranean area coming from Sahara. It causes dusty dry conditions along the northern coast of Africa, storms in the Mediterranean Sea, and cool wet weather in Europe.
Harmattan: Hot and dry wind originates from the Sahara, bringing cooler temperatures, dryness, and dust to West Africa during winter months.
Mistral: Mistral, a cold, north-westerly wind in the Rhône Valley of France, brings clear skies, cooler temperatures, and can reach high speeds.
Bora: A strong and cold north-easterly wind in the Adriatic region, originates in the mountains, bringing clear skies and gusty conditions.
Blizzard: A severe snowstorm with strong winds and low visibility, typically occurs in the northern regions, causing drifting snow and hazardous conditions for travel and visibility.