Chinook Phenomenon
Some phenomenons that happen on our planet are still a mystery. In the text bellow, I’m going to demystify one of the most famous phenomenon in the world, the Chinook Winds.
What is a Chinook Wind?
The chinook winds are a type of winds that come from the pacific ocean. These winds are warm and dry and can make the temperature change dramatically.Chinooks are, more specifically, the air from the pacific that cools down as it climbs the Rockies and suddenly warm as it drops the other side of the mountains. It all starts with a change in wind directions and an increase in wind speed, comparable to a small hurricane. The warm temperature makes the snow melt, it dries soils and is a big factor in soil erosion.
The change in wind directions occur to form a long line of clouds to the east and a clear blue sky to the west. Chinook make a warmer temperature that can last many days and it’s why people like them. It gives them a draft of warm air and a “break” of the cold winter temperature.
Where is it located?
Chinook winds are located in southern and central Alberta, at the bottom of the Rockies. Alberta experience 28 to 30 chinook days in a year. Lethbridge area is the place where the Chinook happens the most in all the Alberta, with more than 12 chinook days in a year. These sort of winds are also experienced in California and Europe.
Did you know?
Chinook, in another language, means “snow eater”.