Definition
A local wind that blows from the land out toward the water, typically at night, caused by the land cooling faster than the adjacent water surface. The cooler, denser air over the land sinks and flows seaward to replace warmer rising air over the water.
Plain English
At night, the land cools down faster than the sea. The cooler air over the land slides out over the water, creating a wind that blows from land to sea.
Context Anchor
Seen in weather and coastal flying discussions, especially when planning takeoffs, landings, or low-level flight near shorelines.
Derivation
Named for the direction the wind comes from, not where it goes. A land breeze comes off the land. This matches the convention used for all winds — a north wind blows from the north.
Why Pilots Care
Near coastal airports, a land breeze can reverse daytime wind patterns and affect runway choice, takeoff performance, and landing direction.
Grounding Statement
Picture a calm coastal evening: the beach has cooled off but the water is still warm. Air rises over the warmer water and is replaced by cooler air sliding off the land — that outflow is the land breeze.
Intuition Check
A land breeze does not mean a breeze that stays over land. It means wind that comes from the land and blows toward the water.
Example Sentence 1
A light land breeze overnight shifted the active runway at the coastal field from 27 to 09 by sunrise.
Example Sentence 2
As the land breeze developed after sunset, the wind shifted from onshore to offshore and the pilot adjusted the approach.