The side of a mountain or island facing the prevailing wind. Typically wetter because moist air is forced to rise.
basicWhat is Windward?
Windward slopes receive significantly more rainfall than leeward slopes because moist air is forced upward (orographic lift), cools, and condenses. In Southeast Asia, the windward Rakhine coast of Myanmar receives over 5,000 mm/year during the southwest monsoon, while the leeward central dry zone gets less than 1,000 mm. The west coast of Sumatra (windward to the Indian Ocean monsoon) is far wetter than the east coast.
Key points
- The side of a mountain or island facing the prevailing wind. Typically wetter because moist air is forced to rise.
- Category: basic
Related terms
See also: windward is connected to other weather concepts. Browse the full glossary for related definitions.