The Winds of Change Blow In

The fall months are known not only for the changing leaves, cooler weather and occasional snowstorm, but also for the wind.  And lately it seems like we've had a lot of wind.  But why?  Well, we have to look at what's going on across the Northern Hemisphere.

We're in what we call a 'transition' season.  During the fall and spring months, the weather begins to change to either warm or cold.  And it's often times during this 'transition' period that we tend to get the strong wind gusts.  During summer, there isn't much of a temperature difference between the north and south.  And the jet stream is pulled further north where the winds are not as strong.

The same, to some extent, can be said for winter.  Yes, the south is generally warmer, but more of North America is cold.  So during these months, there really isn't much balancing the atmosphere has to try and correct for.  In the spring, the warmth from the south tries to expand north, while still battling the cold.  At the same time, the jet stream above is strengthening to assist in the transport of the warmer air.  In the fall, the opposite happens. The stronger the difference in temperature, otherwise known as a temperature gradient, the stronger low pressure will be.  Also, very strong winds within the jet stream will cause low pressure to quickly develop and strengthen at the surface.  That sudden drop in pressure causes a larger pressure gradient between it, and surrounding atmospheric pressure.  This causes the wind to increase.  Remember, the reason for wind is because there is a difference in pressure.  The greater that difference, the stronger the wind.

So whenever the wind really begins to blow, you know that something is about to change.  Either temperatures are going to warm up or turn cooler.  In this week's case, temperatures are going to turn cooler.