What typically happens to winds during climb out?

During climb out, winds typically veer and increase due to various atmospheric phenomena. As a plane ascends, it moves into different layers of the atmosphere where wind patterns can change. The increase in wind velocity can be attributed to the aircraft exiting the stable boundary layer close to the earth’s surface and entering the more dynamic and less uniform higher atmosphere. The term "veer" refers to a change in wind direction, specifically a clockwise shift, which is common as altitude increases due to the Coriolis effect affecting wind patterns.

Understanding how winds behave during climb out is crucial for pilots, as it influences flight performance, fuel efficiency, and safety. Recognizing these changes can also help in anticipating weather phenomena that may impact flight operations, such as wind shear or turbulence, which are important considerations when departing from an airport.