Where do easterly winds come from? And what is their relationship to electrification?

Arab Weather - The eastern winds are one of the prominent weather phenomena that affect Jordan and neighboring areas, as these winds blow from the eastern or southeastern front. Their effects vary depending on the reasons for their blowing, as they may cause a rise in temperatures and hot weather, or lead to very cold and dry weather, and may also contribute to the formation of dusty weather. In this article, we review the most prominent reasons for the blowing of the eastern winds and the nature of their effect:

Causes of easterly winds

• The presence of an eastern high and a western low

When a high pressure system is located over the Arabian Peninsula at the same time as a low pressure system over the Mediterranean Sea, winds move from high pressure areas to low pressure areas. This causes easterly winds to blow over the Kingdom, often increasing the feeling of coldness, especially during the morning hours.

• Siberian High (Polar High) Extension

Air in the high-pressure system circulates clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. When the Siberian high extends towards the region from the northeast during certain periods of the year, dry easterly winds blow over the Kingdom, causing extremely cold weather at night and even during the day.

• Extension of thermal depressions such as the Red Sea depression

The air in the low pressure system rotates counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere. When the Red Sea low pressure system extends from the south, the east or southeast winds blow towards the Kingdom, leading to a significant rise in temperatures, with warmer weather prevailing during both day and night hours.

East winds and their role in causing the phenomenon of "electrification"

East winds are one of the main factors that contribute to the spread of the phenomenon of "electrification" or the transmission of static electricity. When these winds blow, the atmosphere is very dry with a significant decrease in humidity. This dryness promotes the accumulation of electrical charges on various surfaces and objects, which increases the possibility of an electrical discharge when touching a physical object or shaking hands with others.

Under such circumstances, a person may notice a small electrical spark when touching a metal object or when physically communicating with others, a phenomenon colloquially called "electrification."

Scientific explanation of the phenomenon of electrification

The phenomenon of "electrification" is scientifically explained by the transfer of static electric charges (positive and negative) between objects.

• In dry climates: Low water vapor in the air reduces its ability to discharge accumulated electrical charges, which contributes to their accumulation on surfaces, clothing, or even the skin.
• In humid climates: There is a higher percentage of water vapor in the air, which helps to discharge electrical charges quickly through water droplets, thus reducing the feeling of electrocution.

How to reduce or avoid electrocution and tips when east winds blow

1. Wear cotton clothes instead of wool: Wool clothes promote the accumulation of electrical charges, while cotton clothes reduce this phenomenon.
2. Choose leather shoes instead of rubber: Leather shoes help reduce the build-up of electrical charges compared to those made of rubber.
3. Touch metal objects regularly: Discharging electrical charges in small bursts through contact with metals reduces the formation of annoying electrical sparks.
4. Use a metal key to discharge charges: Keeping a metal key and using it to touch objects before touching them helps reduce the feeling of a sudden spark.
5. Avoid swimming in the Dead Sea: It is recommended to refrain from swimming due to the risk of drowning, which increases with the easterly winds.
6. Beware of low visibility: Beware of low horizontal visibility due to heavy dust, and follow medical instructions for patients with respiratory diseases to avoid complications.

See also:

What are the causes of "electrification" when touching objects during easterly winds?

Learn about the eastern winds, their effects, causes and harms through the following report.