Definition
A local wind that flows up a slope, caused by the sun heating the ground on the slope's surface. The warmed air becomes less dense than the surrounding air at the same altitude and rises along the terrain.
Plain English
A wind that blows uphill during the day because the sun heats the slope, warming the air against it and causing that air to rise up the hillside.
Context Anchor
Seen in mountain flying, valley operations, and weather discussions about local winds near sloping terrain.
Derivation
From the Greek 'anabatikos,' meaning 'going up' or 'climbing.' The same root appears in 'anabasis' (a march upward). Knowing the root makes the direction easy to remember: anabatic = air going up.
Why Pilots Care
These winds can produce updrafts that affect climb performance, turbulence, and landing or takeoff decisions near slopes.
Grounding Statement
Picture a sunlit hillside late morning: the ground warms, the air touching it warms, and that warm air slides up the slope like smoke drifting up a wall.
Intuition Check
Anabatic does not mean any wind in the mountains. It specifically means wind moving upslope because the slope has been heated.
Example Sentence 1
On a sunny afternoon, the glider pilot worked the anabatic wind along the south-facing ridge to gain altitude.
Example Sentence 2
Anabatic wind provided gentle lift as the glider followed the rising air along the ridge.