easterly

Easterly is a term used in geography and meteorology to describe a direction toward the east or winds coming from the east. As an adjective and adverb, it characterizes location, movement, or orientation with respect to the east. In meteorology and navigation, easterly is commonly used to name wind directions, with an easterly wind originating from the east and blowing toward the west. The word is often paired with other compass directions to form terms such as northeasterly, southeasterly, or westerly.

Etymology and usage

The word easterly derives from the noun east, with the suffix -ly indicating a directional quality. It has long been used in weather reporting, navigation, aviation, and coastal geography. The form easterlies is used to denote prevailing winds that originate in the eastern quadrant and can be described as mild to strong, depending on the synoptic conditions.

In climate and weather patterns

Easterly winds are a hallmark of certain global circulation patterns. In the tropics, easterly trade winds blow from the east toward the west, influencing tropical climates and ocean currents. In other regions, prevailing easterlies may occur seasonally or under specific pressure systems, contributing to weather variations such as dry or wet spells, depending on regional geography.

See also

Westerly, northeasterly, southeasterly, trade winds, wind direction. Examples in usage include describing a forecasted easterly wind, an easterly breeze at the coast, or easterly waves in tropical meteorology.