Sea Breeze

A cooling wind that blows from the sea towards the land, typically occurring during the daytime due to temperature differences between the land and the water.

A sea breeze is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when the sun heats the land and the sea at different rates, creating a temperature gradient. During the day, the land warms up much faster than the water because water has a higher heat capacity. As the land heats, the air above it becomes warmer and less dense, causing it to rise. This creates a low-pressure area over the land. Meanwhile, the air above the cooler sea remains denser and sinks, forming a high-pressure area. The difference in pressure causes air to move from the sea (high pressure) towards the land (low pressure), resulting in a sea breeze.

Sea breezes are most common in coastal regions and are typically strongest during the afternoon when the temperature difference between the land and sea is at its peak. They can significantly influence local weather conditions, often providing a cooling effect in otherwise hot coastal areas. Sailors, fishermen, and other maritime enthusiasts often rely on sea breezes for navigation and recreational activities, as they can create favourable wind conditions for sailing. However, the strength and timing of a sea breeze can vary depending on factors such as the season, geographical features of the coastline, and the prevailing weather patterns.