Plain English Meaning

The downwind side — the side away from where the wind is blowing from. If wind hits the front of a hill, the leeward side is the back.

Full Definition

The side of an object, terrain feature, or aircraft that faces away from the oncoming wind. On the leeward side, the air is sheltered from the wind and is typically disturbed, turbulent, or descending after flowing over the obstacle.

Context Anchor

Used when discussing wind flow around terrain, buildings, trees, or other obstructions, especially where rough air may form on the downwind side.

Derivation

From Old English 'hleo' meaning shelter or protection. The leeward side is the sheltered side — the side protected from the wind by the object itself.

Why Pilots Care

Aircraft on the leeward side may experience strong and , especially near mountains.