Local winds are those that are formed as a result of the local differences in atmospheric pressure. Their effects are limited to a comparatively smaller locality and are weak. These are known by different names in different parts of the world.
Loo: Hot, dry winds that blow in the afternoons in the North Indian plains in summer are called Loo. These winds blowing from Rajasthan desert cause a rise in the summer temperature of North Indian plains.
Chinook: The hot and dry winds that blow down the eastern slopes of the Rocky mountain chains of North America are called Chinook. As a result of these winds, the snow along the eastern slopes of the Rockies melts away. So they are known as “Snow eater”. As they lessen the intensity of cold, suitable for the cultivation of wheat in the Canadian lowlands.
Foehn: The hot dry winds that blow towards the southern valleys of the Alps mountains are called Foehn. As the air heats up due to pressure from the descend, it helps in reducing the severity of cold in that region.
Harmattan: Hot dry wind that blows from the Sahara desert to West Africa. This wind improves the humid and sultry conditions of West Africa significantly.
Mangoshowers: Winds that blow in South India during summer and bring rainfall in Kerala and coastal Karnataka. It acquires the name owing to the fall of ripe mangoes on its arrival.