A hot wind is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by advection of air masses with anomalously high temperature and often low relative humidity, typically originating from subtropical or desert regions. It is driven by synoptic-scale pressure gradients and can be intensified by subsidence warming associated with high-pressure systems, foehn effects, or downslope flows that compress and heat air adiabatically. Hot winds significantly modify local energy balance, evapotranspiration rates, and boundary-layer stability, frequently contributing to heat waves, rapid desiccation of soils and vegetation, and enhanced wildfire risk. Their dynamics and thermodynamic structure are studied using mesoscale models, reanalysis data, and in situ observations of temperature, humidity, and wind fields.
Science never stops. Get notified about trending stories.
