Levant (wind)

The Levant is a regional name for a strong easterly wind that blows in the western Mediterranean Sea, particularly affecting the coasts of Spain and France. The wind is named after the direction from which it originates – the "Levant," referring to the lands of the eastern Mediterranean basin.

The Levant wind is typically a cool, humid wind that can bring cloudy conditions and rain. It develops when high pressure systems are located over Central Europe and low pressure is present in the western Mediterranean or North Africa. This pressure gradient forces air to flow eastward, picking up moisture as it crosses the Mediterranean Sea.

While generally bringing mild temperatures, the Levant can also be a strong wind, creating rough seas and posing a hazard to navigation. In the Strait of Gibraltar, the Levant wind is particularly noticeable and can significantly affect shipping.

The Levant is distinct from other Mediterranean winds such as the Sirocco and the Mistral, each possessing unique characteristics related to its origin and influence on weather patterns. While the Sirocco is a hot, dry wind from the Sahara desert, and the Mistral is a cold, northerly wind blowing down the Rhone Valley, the Levant is an easterly wind bringing humidity from the eastern Mediterranean.