What is the term for warm, dry air descending the leeward side of a mountain range?

The correct term for warm, dry air descending the leeward side of a mountain range is commonly known as the Foehn wind. This phenomenon occurs when moist air rises over a mountain range, cools, and loses moisture in the form of precipitation on the windward side. As the air descends the leeward side, it warms adiabatically (the process of air becoming warmer when it compresses).

This warming and drying effect contributes to the characteristic weather patterns associated with Foehn winds, such as increased temperatures and reduced humidity. In contrast to the Foehn wind, Chinook winds and Santa Ana winds are specific to different regions and have unique characteristics, although they also involve descending air that warms and dries. Valley breezes describe a different phenomenon, which involves the circulation of cooler air descending from mountain slopes into lower valleys during the day, typically leading to localized warming. Understanding the terminology and effects of these winds helps predict weather patterns and fire behavior in wildland contexts.