The Mistral is a strong, cold and often dry northerly wind that blows across the Mediterranean region. There are several synonyms for this famous wind, including "mistrau" in Provencal, "le vent des fous" (the wind of the mad), "magistrale", and "tramontane". The Tramontane is a similar wind that blows along the Pyrenees and across Catalonia. Another synonym for the Mistral is "bise" which is a north-easterly wind that also blows across Europe. Although the Mistral can be fierce, it is crucial for maintaining the coastal ecosystems in the Mediterranean and helps to regulate the temperature and humidity in the region.