Definition
Antitrade winds are winds that blow in the opposite direction of trade winds, typically at higher altitudes ⬆️. While trade winds blow east to west near the surface, antitrade winds blow west to east higher up in the atmosphere. These winds are part of a larger atmospheric circulation pattern. They are less consistent and reliable than trade winds. Antitrade winds play a role in redistributing heat and moisture around the globe. Understanding them helps meteorologists predict weather patterns.