Cold winds are the types of winds that rise near the Earth’s surface. They are not known to be very frequent and are weaker than the hot winds. Cold local winds are dangerous for the environment as they often cause air pollution. They are known to blow air pollutants and sand into the regions in which they blow, causing breathing issues to the inhabitants. Cold local winds rise from the ground and have a colder temperature. In the areas with lower atmospheres, they cause rain and frosting. Mistral, Purga, Blizzard, Boras, and Punas are some examples of cold winds that are known to cause low temperatures and cold weather in the regions in which they blow.

List of Cold Winds

During the winter, the local chilly winds flow down the slopes and into the valleys from the snow-covered mountains. They go by several names depending on where they flow.

• Pampero
• Bora
• Mistral
• Blizzard
• A “papagayo”

Pampero

• In Argentina and Uruguay, there’s a phenomenon known as severe line squalls, especially in the Rio de la Plata region.
• These squalls are linked to strong cold fronts and typically bring along rain, thunder, lightning, and a noticeable temperature plunge.
• A sudden shift in wind direction from north or northwest to south or southwest is a characteristic feature of these events.
• The peak time for these occurrences is between June and September.

Bora

• A chilly winter breeze known as the “bora” sweeping through Eastern Europe.
• This brisk wind originates from the Dinaric Alps and makes its way down to the picturesque Adriatic Coast.
• Similar to the mistral, the bora gusts in from the north or northeast, bringing with it a touch of wintry magic.
• Brace yourself, as this spirited wind can pick up speed, reaching gusts exceeding 100 mph (160 kph).

Mistral

• Mistrals are most common local cold winds.
• They originate on the Alps and move over France towards the Mediterranean Sea through the Rhone valley.
• They are very cold, dry and high velocity winds.
• They bring down temperature below freezing point in areas of their influence.
• People in these areas protect their orchards and gardens by growing thick hedges and build their houses facing the Mediterranean sea.

Blizzard

• Blizzard, a fierce and freezing storm, often occurs in the icy Polar Regions of the north and south, as well as in Siberia, Canada, and the USA.
• During a blizzard, the air is filled with dry snow, and a biting polar wind with speeds ranging from 80 to 96 km per hour creates hazardous conditions.
• Visibility becomes extremely low due to the presence of snow and ice crystals, making it challenging for people to see their surroundings.
• When these intense winds arrive, they bring about a sudden and significant drop in air temperature, creating subfreezing conditions. Additionally, a thick layer of snow blankets the ground, contributing to the onset of cold waves.
• The impact of blizzards extends to the southern states of the USA, where they are referred to as ‘norther.’ This phenomenon occurs because there are no east-west mountain barriers to block the winds’ path.
• In Siberia, a similar phenomenon is known as ‘burran.’ These cold and powdery winds contribute to the harsh winter conditions in the region.

A “papagayo”

• The term “papagayo” refers to a robust northeasterly wind that influences the Pacific coast of Central America, stretching from Guatemala to the Gulf of Papagayo in Costa Rica.
• These winds are generated by a chilly air mass making its way down from the Central American mountains. As they sweep through, they bring along cold and brisk weather that is surprisingly clear, creating a distinctive atmospheric experience along the coast.

Read Also: Types of Winds