Wind

Wind is simply moving air. It forms when sunshine warms pockets of air that expands and rises. Cool air then rushes in to fill the gap. In other words, wind is created by differences in air temperature as the sun shines. Wind, just like all types of weather phenomena, is driven by the sun.

Pressure is an excellent way to understand wind. Winds blow as air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. Just think of letting the air out of a balloon, which has high pressure inside. The wind speed is determined by two factors: the difference in pressure and the distance between the high and low pressure areas. High winds occur when masses of air are close together with very different pressures.  

The Coriolis effect is fascinating to ponder, even though it doesn't directly cause wind. Instead, it deflects the direction of existing winds, causing them to veer to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a consequence of the Earth's rotation and affects how winds flow around pressure systems and contribute to global wind patterns. There are many wind patterns around the world. Some named winds, such as trade winds and westerlies, are so reliable that sailors have used them for centuries to cross the ocean.

Wind is measured according to the 13-point Beaufort scale from Force 0 calm and Forces 2 - 6 breezes, up to Forces 8 - 10 gales and Force 12 hurricanes. The highest windspeed ever recorded, not during a tropical storm, was on Mt. Washington in the USA.  

Product Size: 7" x 5" x 3"

Thunderheads are sewn and crafted using recycled fibers that meet Global Recycling Standards. There are no plastic parts, only high-quality soft fabrics and embroidered eyes and details. The attached educational cards are printed from recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. 

Thunderheads meet and surpass all US safety standards. Regular size Thunderheads are appropriate and safe for all ages. Key chain size Thunderheads are only for age 3 and up. 

Hand wash only using a damp cloth and warm water.  Air dry.  We do not recommend cleaning in a washing machine or drying in a drier.  Check all labels upon arrival of purchase. 

From this website, we deliver within the United States.  We ship orders within 1–2 business days once they are received. Please see the link at page bottom for international orders. We're confident that you'll love your Thunderheads purchase, but if you need to make a return for any reason, we accept returns within 14 days of your purchase date. Please note, we only accept items in their original condition with the tags still attached. See the page bottom for further details.