Weather Watch:  Winds Around Islands

-David Schultz, NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory

Even small islands can affect the airflow around them.  Because of the
way the wind responds to the increased friction over land, airflow to
the left of the island (facing downwind) may be greater than to the
right of the island.  This effect may extend downwind for a
considerable distance.  Racing sailboats have been known to take
advantage of the stronger winds on the left side of islands.  The left
side of the island may also be more cloudy compared to the right side.