Roaring forties
Roaring forties, areas between latitudes 40Β° and 50Β° south in the Southern Hemisphere, where the prevailing winds blow persistently from the west. The roaring forties have strong, often gale-force, winds throughout the year. They were named by the sailors who first entered these latitudes.
This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Roaring forties
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
11 November 2026
Access Date:
November 14, 2026