Weather Science
Barometric Pressure Explained: High Pressure, Low Pressure, and Weather Changes
What barometric pressure is, why it rises and falls, and how pressure patterns relate to wind, storms, clouds, and fair weather.
Quick answer: Barometric pressure is the weight of the air above a location, and changes in pressure can signal changing weather patterns.
High and low pressure
High pressure often favors sinking air and calmer weather, while low pressure is commonly linked to rising air and storm systems.
There are many exceptions based on moisture, season, and location.
Pressure trends
Falling pressure can suggest an approaching disturbance, while rising pressure can suggest a system is leaving or high pressure is building.
The rate of change matters.
Local readings
Home barometers are useful for trends, especially when compared with wind shifts and clouds.
Absolute readings vary with elevation.