Cold and usually dry katabatic winds, like the Bora, result from the downslope gravity flow of cold, dense air. ... The gentler katabatic flows of hill slopes produce frost hollows. Mountain breezes are part of a local wind system.

What do katabatic winds do?

Katabatic winds often result from cool, denser air moving downhill towards warmer, less dense air. Because of this, they affect local climates, even reducing humidity in the air and blowing away snow.

Why are katabatic winds intense in winter?

Katabatic winds increase air tem- peratures and decrease humidity because of the compres- sional warming air as it descends from the polar plateau. In winter, local air temperatures can increase by 30°C in a few hours.