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

The reason this area is key is because it hosts the best wind shear and instability.

From BBC

That’s because it tends to reduce wind shear in the tropics, enabling hurricanes to grow in strength, and keeps Atlantic Ocean water warm, which helps fuel storms.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is because of the anticipated onset of La Niña, which suppresses wind shear, and the anomalous lingering warmth that’s expected to remain in the tropical Atlantic and in the Caribbean,” Grow Cei said.

From Los Angeles Times

"Yes, more water vapor in the air can foster stronger convection, but a tornado is a very local feature and requires a very specific set of meteorological conditions, such as the right wind shear."

From Salon

The spot could have formed as a result of a gigantic superstorm, similar to those occasionally observed on Jupiter's twin planet Saturn; from the merging of multiple smaller vortices produced by wind shear from the intense wind currents that flow parallel to each other, but alternating in direction with latitude; or from an instability in the winds that could produce an elongated atmospheric cell, similar in shape to the Spot.

From Science Daily