Tramontane

Tramontane is a cold, dry, and often strong northeasterly wind that blows across southern France, Catalonia in Spain, and the Balearic Islands. The name derives from the Latin "transmontanus," meaning "beyond the mountains." It is typically associated with high-pressure systems in the Bay of Biscay and low-pressure systems over the Mediterranean Sea. This wind is most common in winter and spring, although it can occur at other times of the year. When the Tramontane blows, the sky is often clear and the weather is crisp and sunny, but the wind itself can be quite disruptive, causing rough seas and impacting air and sea travel. Local inhabitants have developed a particular awareness of its arrival and effects. The wind is also known by various regional names, such as Maestrale in Corsica and Sardinia, though these may refer to slightly different wind patterns. It is a significant factor in the local climate and influences weather forecasting in these regions.