southerly

Southerly is a term used as an adjective meaning relating to the south or positioned toward the south. It can also function as a noun to denote a wind originating from the south, i.e., a southerly wind. The word is derived from the direction south, with the suffix -ly forming an adjective and adverb.

In meteorology and weather reporting, a southerly wind is defined as a wind that blows from the south toward the north. In forecasts, it is commonly stated as "south wind" or described as “southerly.” The character of a southerly wind depends on the prevailing air masses; in the northern hemisphere, a southerly wind often carries warmer, moister air from lower latitudes, and can be associated with changes in temperature and humidity. In marine and coastal contexts, southerly winds can influence sea state, weather fronts, and precipitation patterns.

In geographic terms, "southerly" may describe the southern portion of a region or the direction toward the south relative to a defined reference point, for example a southerly town boundary or a southerly coast.

See also: wind direction, south, compass points, southerly wind.