1. A dry cold northerly wind that blows in squalls toward the Mediterranean coast of southern France.
2. A powerful cold dry northeasterly wind that blows in the south of France.
3. A north wind that blows down the Rhone valley south of Valence, France, and into the Gulf of Lions.

It is strong, squally, cold, and dry which is the combined result of the basic circulation of a fall wind, and a jet-effect wind.

It blows from the north or northwest in the Rhône Delta, where it is strongest, from northwest in Provence and from northeast in the valley of the Durance below Sisteron.

A general mistral usually lasts for several days, sometimes with short lulls. It is most violent in winter and spring, and may do considerable damage.

The mistral has a variety of local names: mangofango in Provence; sécaire, maistrau, maistre, or magistral in Cévennes; dramundan in Perpignan; cierzo in Spain; cers in the Pyrenees, etc.