northerly

American  

[nawr-ther-lee] / ˈnɔr ðər li /

adjective

1. moving, directed, or situated toward the north.

2. (especially of a wind) coming from the north.

   a northerly gale.

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adverb

1. toward the north.

2. from the north.

noun

plural

northerlies

1. a wind that blows from the north.

northerly British  

/ ˈnɔːðəlɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or situated in the north

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adverb

1. towards or in the direction of the north

2. from the north

   a northerly wind

noun

1. a wind from the north

Other Word Forms

• northerliness noun

Etymology

Origin of northerly

1545–55; north + -erly, modeled on easterly

Example Sentences

Further snow showers are expected for areas exposed to the northerly winds, especially northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, west Wales, south-west England and parts of eastern England.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

But, with a strong northerly wind it will feel cold despite temperatures of 1 to 7C.

From BBC • Jan. 1, 2026

Forecasters said on Thursday showers would turn increasingly to snow, with locally gale force northerly winds setting in.

From BBC • Jan. 1, 2026

In Norway's Nordland region, one of the most northerly counties in the country, the fire department responded to more than 200 weather‑related incidents, broadcaster NRK reported.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2025

The general synopsis at eighteen hundred issued by the Met Office: Fitzroy, mainly northerly, four or five, becoming variable, thundery showers ...

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd