Meretuulikud

Meretuulikud are winds that originate over the sea and affect coastal areas. In Estonian meteorology the term is used to describe winds whose source region is maritime rather than continental. The plural meretuulikud can refer to different sea-origin wind patterns or events.

Formation and characteristics: Meretuulikud arise from pressure gradients between the sea and adjacent land. They are common in coastal climates and often bring onshore flow from sea to land, bringing more humid air and affecting coastal temperatures. Their strength and duration can vary from brief episodes to longer spells, and they may be part of larger weather systems or local sea–land interactions intensified by coastal topography and diurnal cycles.

Regional context: In the Baltic Sea region, meretuulikud are a typical feature of coastal weather, especially in spring and summer when sea breezes interplay with prevailing winds and weather fronts. They influence sea state, coastal temperature regulation, and weather forecasts, and are relevant for navigation, sailing, and wind-energy planning along the coast.

See also: Tuul (wind), Maatuul (land wind), Meretuul (sea wind), Baltic Sea meteorology, Coastal climate.