The Westerlies

Ever wondered why the weather we get in our area typically comes out of the west? The answer is because of our prevailing wind. The prevailing wind for Bowling Green, KY is called The Westerlies, as they predominately come from the west. No brainer, right? Well, in fact, The Westerlies are responsible for the prevailing winds all across the mid-latitudes across the globe. Check it out:

The earth’s rotation causes atmospheric circulations to break down into three different areas on each side of the equator. Each individual area is known as a circulation cell; the Hadley Cell, the Ferrel Cell and the Polar Cell. Each have their own predominate area within a given latitude, north or south of the equator.

In general, between the equator and 30 degrees north or south latitude, you are within the Hadley cell and experience The Trade winds. These winds blow from the east and converge towards the equator. Thus, if you’re north of the equator they’re called the Northeast Trade Winds, or if you’re south, the Southeast Trade Winds. (They blow from the northeast or southeast)

Between 30 degrees and 60 degrees north or south latitude, you are within the Ferrel cell, and within the mid-latitudes. These winds, as said earlier, blow from the west; The Westerlies.

Then finally, from 60 north or south latitudes toward the poles, you are within the Polar cell, and experience the Polar Easterlies.