Q The Santa Ana winds that fed the recent California fires come every year. Are there similar annual winds with names in Minnesota or elsewhere in the Upper Midwest?

A Yes. Winds usually derive their names from their origination or some special feature. The late meteorologist Bruce Watson once listed some recurrent winds to watch for each year:

• Fairy Wind: This southerly wind in cold season coats the landscape with rime. Occurs from Christmas to Easter.

• Summer Spoiler: The first northerly wind in late summer, it unleashes the buildup of cold air from the Canadian north. Occurs in late August to early September.

• First Fouler: The first northerly to pile up snow, which fouls up traffic.

In addition, some large-scale winds that affect our area on occasion include:

• The Canadian Mountie: A cold northwesterly wind bringing in air from the Yukon. It occurs from early September to late May and its chill has been said to reduce crime.

• The Dakota Doctor: A westerly wind bringing relief in the form of mild, dry air from the Pacific. In winter it brings a thaw, in summer relief from hot, humid tropical air.

• The Buffalo: A dry southwesterly from the central high plains that is further warmed by descent along Buffalo Ridge in southwest Minnesota. In summer, it can bring temperatures in the 100s to Minnesota.

• The Sirocco: A hot, humid southerly wind with air from the Gulf of Mexico. It occurs ahead of a slowly moving low-pressure center and is marked by heavy haze; severe weather usually follows. The term is borrowed from Italy, where air comes off the Mediterranean Sea after leaving Africa.

New box spring needed

Q We are looking to replace our mattress and box spring. Our current set is 12 years old. Can we replace just the mattress or is it important to replace the box spring at the same time?

A It's a good idea to replace them at the same time. The mattress and box spring work as a unit. Your timing is about right. The average lifespan is 10 to 12 years.

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-9033, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies.