What happens when wind is said to be "backing"?

When the wind is described as "backing," it indicates that the wind direction is shifting anticlockwise, or to the left, when viewed from a specific vantage point, such as standing still and facing the direction from which the wind is coming. This phenomenon often occurs in certain weather patterns, particularly when a low-pressure system approaches. As the low pressure moves in, the winds around it tend to rotate in a counterclockwise fashion in the Northern Hemisphere, thus resulting in the backing of the wind.

This behavior is significant in meteorology as it may signal changes in weather conditions, often indicating that a storm or significant weather change is impending. Understanding wind backing and its implications helps in forecasting and interpreting wind patterns in relation to weather events.