Comparative Study of Low‐Latitude Thermospheric Winds Over Asian Sector From Ground‐Based Measurements and Models

Abstract The thermosphere is influenced by both solar and geomagnetic forcing from above and atmospheric waves from below, resulting in complex and variable dynamics. Neutral winds are key parameters describing these dynamics and their coupling with the ionosphere. In this study, nighttime thermospheric neutral winds over the low‐latitude Asian sector are investigated using ground‐based observations from Sanya (18.34°N, 109.62°E) and Lijiang (26.85°N, 100.22°E). Despite being less than 10° apart in latitude, the results reveal distinct latitude‐dependent meridional wind structures, with a pronounced double‐trough pattern at Sanya and a single‐trough structure at Lijiang. The nighttime zonal wind remains predominantly eastward throughout the year at Lijiang. Compared with observations, the empirical Horizontal Wind Model captures the general seasonal and local‐time variations but with systematic amplitude errors of 20–40 m/s. In contrast, the physics‐based Thermosphere–Ionosphere–Electrodynamics General Circulation Model fails to capture key nighttime structures, with the wind‐speed biases reaching over 50 m/s at Lijiang. Additionally, both equatorward and westward wind enhancements of ∼100 m/s were observed during the March 2024 storm. The disturbed equatorward wind is primarily driven by pressure gradient force, while the westward deflection is dominated by both Coriolis and pressure gradient forces. These results emphasize the importance of regional measurements for improving thermospheric wind modeling at low latitudes.