Orographic Lifting
As an insurance underwriter, I’ve been researching lately in an attempt to find areas of Virginia that have the calmest weather - places where insuring buildings against weather risks would be less risky. As I’ve scoured for information, I stumbled upon the fact that where I live - the Shenandoah Valley - is the driest area of the state. And to use big words, here’s why:
The valley is on the leeward side of the orographic lifting of prevailing winds as they collide with the west-bordering mountain ridges. Adiabatic compression on the valley side then creates what is known as a rain shadow. In other words, winds blowing west to east ram into the Appalachian Mountains, and when thrust upward, precipitation is squeezed out leaving dryer air to flow over the valley.
I’ve spent the past 26 years driving to and from the Shenandoah Valley. I live in one geographic region and work in a distinctly different one. As I’ve crossed over from one to the other, I’ve undeniably noted through the years that the weather tends to be much better in the valley. There have been many times when I’ve been returning home from a wet day at the office, and as I cross over into the valley, find beautiful, sunny weather. Sure makes returning home that much more special.
I’ve jokingly bragged to my fellow co-workers, especially those that don’t live where I do, that life is always better in the Shenandoah Valley. And now, I’ve got some big scientific words to back up that boastful claim.