High foehn

Alternative definitions (1), class: vernacular (0)
Term: High foehn
Definition: The presence of south foehnlike conditions at higher elevations of the Alps while the lower elevations and the plains or "foreland" to the north are under a cold air mass. Under these conditions, the mountains are often warmer than the lowlands. The warming is attributed to subsiding air in a synoptic anticyclone above the cold surface air. Although the winds in the warm air are apt to have a southerly component, the high foehn does not necessarily have strong, gusty foehn winds. However, this situation often precedes the foehn at the surface. (Also called free foehn.)
Created 2022.03.08
Last Modified 2023.03.27
Contributed by GCW Glossary
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