Derecho

Derecho is a term with multiple meanings across languages and disciplines. In Spanish, derecho commonly refers to law or the legal system (el derecho). It can also function as an adjective meaning straight, upright, or direct, as in una línea derecha, though it is not used for the direction “right” in everyday speech (that is derecha). The word appears in legal, educational, and cultural contexts to denote legitimacy, correctness, or entitlement.

In meteorology, a derecho is a specific type of windstorm characterized by a long, continuous swath of damaging winds generated by a line of severe thunderstorms. The term, derived from the Spanish for straight, emphasizes the straight-line nature of the winds, in contrast to tornado-related rotational winds. A derecho typically lasts several hours and travels hundreds of kilometers, causing widespread wind damage along its path. Winds along the path are often strong, with gusts well over 58 mph (93 km/h) and the system may exhibit a bow-shaped radar signature known as a bow echo.

Formation and characteristics: derechos usually develop from fast-moving squall lines or mesoscale convective systems under favorable instability and wind-shear conditions. They can produce downed trees, power outages, and structural damage over large areas. They are most common in the central and eastern United States and parts of Canada, particularly during the warm season, but can occur elsewhere with suitable meteorological setups.

See also: weather phenomena, law, Spanish vocabulary.