Downwind

Downwind is a directional term used to describe the direction toward which the wind is moving relative to a location or object. It is the opposite of upwind (the direction from which the wind is coming). In general, the downwind side of an object is the leeward side, which can be sheltered from wind flow.

In meteorology and environmental science, downwind describes the area into which emissions, smoke, or chemical plumes are transported by the wind. Plumes tend to widen and dilute as they travel.

In aviation, the downwind leg is a segment of the standard traffic pattern in which an aircraft flies parallel to the runway in the opposite direction of landing, before turning onto base and final.

In sailing, downwind or running describes sailing with the wind coming from behind; it contrasts with beating, which is upwind sailing.

In safety planning and emergency management, identifying downwind zones helps determine monitoring, shelter, evacuations, and protective actions during releases of hazardous substances.

Wind direction information is essential for weather forecasts, wildfire response, and environmental monitoring. The term is widely used across disciplines and emphasizes how wind carries signals, materials, or hazards away from the source.

See also: upwind, leeward, windward, plume, crosswind.