Brookings effect
Encyclopedia
The Brookings effect, also known as the Chetco effect, is a weather pattern that occasionally occurs along the southern Oregon Coast
in the United States
. It is named after Brookings, Oregon
, a city just a few miles north of the California
border.
Partially as a result of this phenomenon, Brookings recorded its highest temperature ever, 110 degrees Fahrenheit, on July 8, 2008.
The Brookings effect is the same meteorological phenomenon as the Chinook wind
, in which adiabatic heating increases the temperature of a mass of air as it travels down-slope.
The Brookings effect is most common in late fall and winter. During periods of dry weather, a high-pressure ridge sometimes forms over the Pacific Northwest
or the Great Basin
. Along the Oregon coast, and especially near Brookings, this often leads to an offshore wind or east wind. When the dry, cool air of the interior approaches the coast, it descends along the slopes of the coastal mountains, and is funneled down the Chetco River
valley. By the time it reaches the coastal towns of Brookings and Harbor
, which are separated by the Chetco River, the air is likely to be much warmer and drier. Even in mid-winter, temperatures of 20C (68F) or higher are very possible during such a pattern. During autumn the temperatures may soar to 25-30C (77-86F), sometimes even higher. Temperatures of 105F (41C) have been recorded.
The Brookings effect is likely caused by downsloping winds in the coastal mountains, similar to California's Santa Ana wind
s. During periods of dry, chilly weather in Oregon's valleys, Brookings frequently lives up to its "banana belt
" reputation.
Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is a region of the U.S. state of Oregon. It runs generally north-south along the Pacific Ocean, forming the western border of the state; the region is bounded to the east by the Oregon Coast Range. The Oregon Coast stretches approximately from the Columbia River in the north to...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It is named after Brookings, Oregon
Brookings, Oregon
Brookings is a city in Curry County, Oregon, United States. It was named after John E. Brookings, president of the Brookings Lumber and Box Company, which founded the city in 1908. As of the 2010 census the population was 6,336. The total population of the Brookings area is over 13,000, which...
, a city just a few miles north of the California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
border.
Partially as a result of this phenomenon, Brookings recorded its highest temperature ever, 110 degrees Fahrenheit, on July 8, 2008.
The Brookings effect is the same meteorological phenomenon as the Chinook wind
Chinook wind
Chinook winds , often called chinooks, commonly refers to foehn winds in the interior West of North America, where the Canadian Prairies and Great Plains meet various mountain ranges, although the original usage is in reference to wet, warm coastal winds in the Pacific Northwest.Chinook is claimed...
, in which adiabatic heating increases the temperature of a mass of air as it travels down-slope.
The Brookings effect is most common in late fall and winter. During periods of dry weather, a high-pressure ridge sometimes forms over the Pacific Northwest
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is a region in northwestern North America, bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and, loosely, by the Rocky Mountains on the east. Definitions of the region vary and there is no commonly agreed upon boundary, even among Pacific Northwesterners. A common concept of the...
or the Great Basin
Great Basin
The Great Basin is the largest area of contiguous endorheic watersheds in North America and is noted for its arid conditions and Basin and Range topography that varies from the North American low point at Badwater Basin to the highest point of the contiguous United States, less than away at the...
. Along the Oregon coast, and especially near Brookings, this often leads to an offshore wind or east wind. When the dry, cool air of the interior approaches the coast, it descends along the slopes of the coastal mountains, and is funneled down the Chetco River
Chetco River
The Chetco River is a stream located in the southwestern portion of the U.S. state of Oregon. It drains approximately of Curry County. Flowing through a rugged and isolated coastal region, it descends rapidly from about to sea level at the Pacific Ocean. Except for the lowermost , the river is...
valley. By the time it reaches the coastal towns of Brookings and Harbor
Harbor, Oregon
Harbor is an unincorporated community in Curry County, Oregon, United States. It is located across the Chetco River from the city of Brookings. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Harbor as a census-designated place . The census definition of the area may not...
, which are separated by the Chetco River, the air is likely to be much warmer and drier. Even in mid-winter, temperatures of 20C (68F) or higher are very possible during such a pattern. During autumn the temperatures may soar to 25-30C (77-86F), sometimes even higher. Temperatures of 105F (41C) have been recorded.
The Brookings effect is likely caused by downsloping winds in the coastal mountains, similar to California's Santa Ana wind
Santa Ana wind
The Santa Ana winds are strong, extremely dry offshore winds that characteristically sweep through Southern California and northern Baja California in late fall and winter. They can range from hot to cold, depending on the prevailing temperatures in the source regions, the Great Basin and upper...
s. During periods of dry, chilly weather in Oregon's valleys, Brookings frequently lives up to its "banana belt
Banana belt
"Banana belt" is an informal geographic term used to describe a segment of a larger geographic region which enjoys warmer weather conditions than the region as a whole, especially in the wintertime...
" reputation.