Chinook

Canadian Slang

Definition

A warm, dry downslope wind off the Rockies—especially in southern Alberta—that rapidly raises winter temperatures and melts snow; also the mild spell it brings.

Examples

"A Chinook rolled over the Rockies into Calgary, turning a frigid morning into a plus-10 afternoon and melting the sidewalks bare."

"Don’t bother shovelling—this Chinook will wipe out last night’s snowfall by lunchtime."

"We were bracing for another cold snap, but a Chinook brought a mild spell that dried the air and cleared the fields of snow."