Synoptic wind
The large-scale wind set by pressure systems, as shown in the forecast.
What it means
Local effects such as valley winds and thermal gusts add to it, so the wind on launch can differ noticeably from the forecast. It is broader than the meteorological term gradient wind, which describes a specific balanced flow above the friction layer.
Example in context
The synoptic wind was meant to be northerly, but on launch it was blowing up the valley.
Sources and review
- FAA Glider Flying Handbook, Chapter 9 (Soaring Weather) (opens in a new tab)
- Jakub Vrána — Paraglidingový slang: o počasí (opens in a new tab)
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