Portal:Alpine Rhine/Alpine Föhn

In gentle föhn conditions enormous visibility distances are possible

The Alpine Föhn (German: Alpenföhn) is the name given to the föhn wind in the Alpine region. The name "föhn" was originally used to refer to the south wind which blows during the winter months and brings thaw conditions to the northern side of the Alps. Because föhn later became a generic term that was extended to other mountain ranges around the world that experience similar phenomena, the name "Alpine föhn" (Alpenföhn) was coined. The wind can cause heavy storms with top speeds of 150 km/h, resulting in damage to buildings. The south wind on the northern side of the Alps is also called the South Föhn (Südföhn), its opposite number on the south side of the Alps is also called the North Föhn (Nordföhn)... « more »