Final answer:
Local names for downslope winds in the Western US include Chinook and Santa Ana, created by the rain shadow effect when moist air masses lose moisture over mountains, leading to warm and dry winds on the leeward side.
Step-by-step explanation:
The local names of downslope winds in the Western United States include the Chinook and the Santa Ana winds. These winds are part of a larger phenomenon related to air movements in mountainous regions. The rain shadow effect plays a pivotal role in the creation of these winds. When moist air masses travel over mountain ranges, they lose most of their moisture before descending on the leeward side, creating dry and warm winds such as the Chinook and Santa Ana. These winds are notorious for their ability to rapidly increase temperatures and decrease humidity, sometimes posing challenges such as exacerbating wildfires.
In literature, these winds are often characterized by their impact on the local environment, as described in the provided excerpt. They bring a change in weather, sometimes bringing relief after storms or contributing to the onset of new weather patterns.