Wind Types in North America

CHINOOK

A strong, warm wind on the lee side of the Rocky Mountains. It can be a Southern or Western wind.The Chinook wind is named after an indian name meaning snoweater.






SANTA ANA
A Northern wind blowing in the valley of Santa Ana. The Santa Ana is the result of a high pressure system above high-desert areas.This wind creates great conditions for wildfires, and is strongest at night.















JET STREAM


The Jetstream is a band of fast moving air found at high altitudes. It is usually over mid-latitudes, but fluctuates to the north and south on a short time scale. Commercial airlines use this wind to speed up travel time.












NORTH POLAR


All of these winds are strong and are loaded with ice and snow. These winds blow harder than 35mph and cause visibility to reduce to 400 metres for at least 3 hours.

DIABLO

This wind occurs below canyons in the East Bay Hills in the Diablo range .They can reach speeds of up to 60mph. They develop because pf a high pressure system above Nevada and a low pressure system above the cental Californian coast.