wind shear

[ wind ]

noun

1. the rate at which wind velocity changes from point to point in a given direction.
2. a condition, dangerous to aircraft, in which the speed or direction of the wind changes abruptly.

wind shear

/ wɪnd /

noun

1. stress on an aircraft in an area in which winds of different speeds and directions are close together

wind shear

1. A change in wind direction and speed between slightly different altitudes, especially a sudden downdraft. Depending on its scale, wind shear can cause a variety of effects, from minor turbulence to tornadoes. Wind shear caused by interactions between oceanic and atmospheric winds can be so strong that it can dissipate hurricanes.
2. See also shear force

Word History and Origins

Origin of wind shear¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

This band formed along the axis of most unstable air, and it also had access to very strong, deep winds that increased in altitude and changed direction with height, generating what’s known as wind shear.

From Washington Post

It’s possible the storms will not be as intense and likely to spin as they near the metro area due to less wind shear, or turning of the winds with altitude.

From Washington Post

Stronger tornadoes tend to favor these shoulder months given increased wind shear, a critical ingredient for tornadoes, compared to the summer.

From Washington Post

The combination of an unstable atmosphere and modest amounts of wind shear suggests that clusters of thunderstorms will self-organize into strong, long-lasting aggregates later Thursday afternoon and evening.

From Washington Post

It’s the strong wind shear, in the setting of moderately unstable air and with a front that will trigger showers and thunderstorms, that raises the concern for severe weather.

From Washington Post

Climate change increases the available energy, but reduces the wind shear, making the net result hard to predict.

From The Daily Beast

On the other hand, wind shear is expected to decrease as the poles get warmer.

From The Daily Beast

Second, you need those layers to be traveling at different speeds or in different directions, a phenomenon called wind shear.

From The Daily Beast

Wind shear may decrease in a warmer world and that could mean fewer tornadoes.

From The Daily Beast

So which influence wins out—increasing water vapor or decreasing wind shear?

From The Daily Beast