harsh winds
Cutting, forceful air
Harsh winds are strong, unpleasant winds that feel punishing or severe.
The phrase emphasizes discomfort—cold, cutting, relentless: The harsh winds off the lake made walking difficult.
Harsh modifies winds to suggest hostility rather than mere strength; a wind can be strong without being harsh.
- galeSevere sustained wind
- wind gustsSudden strong air bursts
- windburnSkin damage from air
- blizzardViolent prolonged snowstorm
- ice stormFreezing rain accumulation
driving snow · polar vortex · cyclone · hurricane · shivering · erosion · exposure · wind chill · desertification · hypothermia · windstorm · squall · frostbite · tornado · tempest · mistral · sheltering · sirocco
- Mountain Climatehigh altitude, thin air, altitude, snowfall, temperature extremes
- alpine zonealpine meadow, alpine lakes, alpine plants, alpine lake, alpine zone