Mistral
The Mistral is a fiercely cold dry northerly that blows down the valley of the Rhone River in France. It originates in the Baltic or the Atlantic and flows to the southeast, bringing bitter weather that leads to tiresome headaches. A mistral can blow for several days, affecting weather across the Mediterranean, and even damaging crops in its path.
The image of the Mistral is so evocative that it has been used to name and promote everything from soaps and bath products to restaurants and bars to luxury automobiles. Mistral is also a class of French amphibious ship.