Meretuulud

Meretuulud is a term used in Estonian meteorology to describe winds that originate from the sea and blow toward the land along coastline regions, particularly around the Baltic Sea. These winds arise from the contrast between the cooler, more humid air over the sea and the warmer, drier air over the land, and they are a characteristic component of coastal climate.

Formation and behavior: Meretuulud are commonly associated with sea-breeze dynamics. During the day, heating of the land creates rising air over the coast, and cooler air from the sea moves onshore to replace it. At night, the land cools faster than the sea, which can weaken the onshore flow or briefly reverse it in some situations. The strength of meretuulud varies with regional topography, sea state, and larger-scale pressure systems, and they can extend several tens of kilometers inland.

Regional patterns and impacts: In Estonia and neighboring Baltic coastlines, meretuulud typically moderate summer temperatures, increase humidity, and can produce fog or low clouds along the shore. They influence coastal weather conditions, sailing and harbor operations, and the littoral climate that supports certain marine and coastal ecosystems. The winds can also affect wave development and coastal erosion processes, especially during stormier periods when maritime air masses interact with cyclonic systems.

Observation and study: Meteorological stations along the coast monitor meretuulud to improve coastal forecasts and marine navigation. They are considered in climate analyses of Baltic coastal zones and are modeled within regional weather prediction frameworks to assess their impact on sea state and inland weather patterns.