Thermal wind refers to the wind patterns that develop due to temperature differences in the atmosphere. These differences can occur between warm and cold air masses, often influenced by factors like topography or ocean currents. As warm air rises, it creates areas of low pressure, while cooler air moves in to fill the gap, resulting in wind. The concept of thermal wind is important in meteorology, as it helps explain how weather systems form and move. It is particularly relevant in understanding phenomena such as cyclones and anticyclones, where the interaction of temperature and pressure drives wind patterns across regions.