Concept in Definition ABC

The term cerzo designates a type of wind, especially popular among the inhabitants of Aragon in Spain. This wind, also known as regañón, mistral or Galician, is so frequent that the city of Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon, is known as the city of the wind.

The word Cierzo comes from Latin, specifically from Caecius, a deity in Roman mythology associated with the northwest wind.

Characteristics and curiosities

It is a cold and dry gusty wind that comes from the northwest. Meteorologists affirm that the cold component comes from the north of the peninsula and the dry component is produced by the proximity of the Monegros desert region. In any case, the wind produces a funnel effect that, in turn, generates strong gusts of wind.

This wind is not seasonal and in fact occurs at any time of the year. Sometimes the scourge of the air it is so intense that it can exceed 130 kilometers per hour. As a consequence of his intense force there is a drop in temperature.

The consequences of the wind are very diverse, as it causes branches and trees to fall, doors slamming, windows that shake and awnings that fall. Obviously, its presence is very uncomfortable for pedestrians.

Despite the obvious drawbacks of the wind, there are some advantages

In the first place, its thrust favors the elimination of the contamination atmospheric. On the other hand, thanks to its strength, the community of Aragon has a high production from wind power. Finally, on hot days in summer the sensation Thermal decrease due to the Cierzo effect.

The inhabitants of Zaragoza are popularly known as cheposos, that is, people who are bent over and their backs are bent causing a hump. This qualifier is related to the strength of the wind, since its intensity It is what makes the people of Zaragoza called cheposos.

How does the wind affect your mood and health?

Its presence is especially annoying, as it is accompanied by an intense and unpleasant noise. In this sense, it negatively affects people who are sensitive to weather changes. Likewise, sometimes there are people who suffer from headaches and restlessness.

On days with a strong wind, ophthalmological emergencies increase notably. At the same time, there is an increase in some dermatological problems, as the force of the wind dehydrates the skin.

Photo: Fotolia - John Takai