Winds are caused by differences in temperature in the atmosphere, and the sun is the source of the energy that drives this meteorologic engine. The unequal heating of the earth such as at the equator and the poles, and over continents and oceans, causes the air to flow from a region of high pressure (cold) to a region of low pressure (heat). As the warm equatorial air rises, the cooler air rushes in to fill the vacuum, and this produces the trade winds. The tropical air flows toward the poles in the upper atmosphere, and as it cools, it descends to the surface again, around 30-40 degrees latitude. This descent is almost vertical so there is little lateral movement in this area, which is called the doldrums. Some of this descending air flows toward the polar regions and is deflected eastward by Coriolis forces to become the prevailing westerlies. When the polar air collides with the westerlies, generally unstable air is the result, with violent storms occurring in the form of cyclones. The jet stream generally follows this line of instability. In the northern hemisphere, unsettled and stormy conditions are north of the jet stream, while clear weather is on the south side.
In addition to these general wind patterns, there are other local and seasonal weather systems. Warm air from the sea colliding with colder air inland can cause violent effects such as tornadoes, monsoons, and cyclones. Another kind of system which can form over open oceans is hurricanes and typhoons. These are usually spawned over warm, calm waters where there is little wind, such as the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean. As the warm air rises, an ascending column of air begins rotating counterclockwise (in the northern hemisphere) forming a huge whirlwind. As this whirlwind grows, it increases in power and is capable of generating winds of 80-150+ mph. An interesting feature of such a whirlwind is the area of relative calm which exists in the very center, called the eye. The wind may be howling and the sea may be raging a few hundred yards away, but all is peaceful in the eye.
We are surrounded by the storms of life on every side. Fierce winds blow us one way and then the other. Waves of suffering, grief, pain and discouragement seem overpowering. When the winds of strife and confusion are blowing around us, there is a place of calm assurance and safety. As the well known hymn assures us, "There is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God." We can find protection and peace in Jesus in the midst of the storm. He has promised to be with us until the end of the world, and He has sent His Holy Spirit and the angelic host to be comforters in times of trouble. Although the storm may be raging around us, Jesus will always be a sanctuary in "the eye of the storm."
