Wind happens because air moves from areas of high pressure toward lower pressure.

The longer version

Differences in air pressure arise because the sun warms some places more than others, so the air there expands, rises, and leaves less mass pressing down than in neighbouring regions. Air responds by flowing from the heavier, high-pressure area toward the lighter, low-pressure one.

The greater the difference over a short distance, the faster the flow. Once moving, the air is also deflected by the planet's rotation, which curves its path into the broad swirls seen on weather charts. Friction from hills, trees, and buildings slows the wind near the ground, where gusts also come and go more abruptly.

Where this entry sits

Clouds, wind, rain, and storms shape daily life in ways that most people barely notice. This collection explains snow, lightning, rainbows, the turning seasons, temperature, the instruments forecasters rely on, and scraps of old weather lore. The full list sits on the Weather and Climate page, where every entry is listed in order.