What is draught?

Draught or draft is the flow of air through a confined space. It can refer to both natural air movement caused by temperature and pressure differences and to mechanical air movement caused by fans, blowers, or other devices. Draught can also refer to the force exerted by this flow, such as the pulling power of a chimney or the pushing power of a wind turbine.

In architecture, draught can be important for the effective ventilation of buildings. Properly designed ventilation systems can help regulate temperature and humidity levels, as well as remove pollutants and odors. In building design, the placement and size of windows and other openings can affect the flow of air and create natural draughts.

Draught can also play a role in the operation of various types of machinery, such as steam engines and furnaces. The correct amount of draught is important for ensuring efficient combustion, and many devices have fans or other systems to regulate the air flow.

In weather forecasting, draught is often used to describe dry, hot conditions that increase the risk of wildfires and crop failures. Regions prone to drought may experience water shortages, and in severe cases, drought can have economic, social, and environmental impacts.