An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A sudden, violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet.

A sudden increase of the mean wind speed which lasts for several minutes at least before the mean wind returns to near its previous value. It is often accompanied by rain or snow.

Etymology (EN): Probably from a Scand. source (cf. Norw. skval “sudden rush of water,” Sw. skvala “to gush, pour down”).

Etymology (PE): Bâdzad, from bâd, → wind + zad past stem of zadan “to strike, beat; to do; to play an instrument” (Mid.Pers. zatan, žatan; O.Pers./Av. jan-, gan- “to strike, hit, smite, kill” (jantar- “smiter”); cf.
Skt. han- “to strike, beat” (hantar- “smiter, killer”);
Gk. theinein “to strike;” L. fendere “to strike, push;” Gmc. *gundjo “war, battle;” PIE *g^when- “to strike, kill”).