rain shadow

noun

, Meteorology.

1. a region in the lee of mountains that receives less rainfall than the region windward of the mountains.

rain shadow

noun

1. the relatively dry area on the leeward side of high ground in the path of rain-bearing winds

rain shadow

1. An area having relatively little precipitation due to the effect of a topographic barrier, especially a mountain range, that causes the prevailing winds to lose their moisture on the windward side, causing the leeward side to be dry.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rain shadow¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

A historic city of exposed wood structures in a thirsty rain shadow.

From Los Angeles Times

Right off Highway 101, Sequim Bay is in the rain shadow of the Olympics, giving you a better chance of avoiding precipitation.

From Seattle Times

The Olympic rain shadow keeps Olympic Peninsula towns like Sequim much drier than Seattle and its suburbs.

From Seattle Times

But the Great Basin of Nevada beyond the Sierra to the east is largely left in a gigantic rain shadow.

From Los Angeles Times

Christine recently moved to Sequim, known for its commercial lavender farms and being in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains.

From Seattle Times