Mountain Weather
Mountain Wave Weather Explained: Wind, Turbulence, Clouds, and Downslope Gusts
What mountain waves are, how air flowing over terrain creates waves, and why they matter for wind, aviation turbulence, and unusual clouds.
Quick answer: Mountain waves form when stable air flows over mountains and oscillates downstream like ripples in the atmosphere.
Wave setup
Strong wind crossing terrain can lift and sink in waves on the lee side of mountains.
Stable layers help the wave pattern persist.
Cloud clues
Lenticular clouds can mark mountain wave activity, though waves can exist without obvious clouds.
Rotor clouds and turbulent zones can form below wave crests.
Hazards
Mountain waves can create strong downslope winds, aviation turbulence, and rapidly changing conditions near terrain.
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