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

Because of changes in vertical wind shear -- the variation in wind speed and direction high in the atmosphere -- La Nina tends to bring more hurricanes in the Atlantic basin and fewer in the Pacific.

Read more on Barron's

A 2024 study, external suggested the two main drivers to this uncertainty are changes in wind speed and direction through the atmosphere, known as vertical wind shear, and atmospheric moisture.

Read more on BBC

The most unpredictable storms occur when there is a moderate amount of wind shear and moisture in the atmosphere.

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Vertical wind shear tends to rip storms apart, preventing intensification or even causing a storm to weaken.

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In addition to moisture, “you need the combination of lift, you need some instability and you need some wind shear. We saw all of those things come together for a brief period of time this morning.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times