Weather conditions

What weather conditions are typically associated with areas of high and low pressure?

High and low pressure systems have a strong influence on the types of weather that we experience in the UK. As different pressure systems move across the UK they bring varying weather conditions, depending on the time of year. For example, in summer, high pressure tends to bring fine, warm weather. However, in winter a high pressure system will be associated with cold and dry days and frost.

What weather conditions are associated with areas of high pressure?

Summer

Low sun over hillside on a fine summer day

High pressure in the summer often brings fine, warm weather. It can lead to long warm sunny days and prolonged dry periods. In severe situations, this can cause a drought (such as early 2012). Heatwaves can also become a hazard (such as the record-breaking hot temperatures across Europe during the summer of 2003). Possible hazardous weather-related conditions include:

  • Heatwaves
  • Droughts
  • Poor air quality
  • High pollen counts

Winter

Wintry landscape with heavy snowHigh pressure in the winter often leads to cold, dry days, with light winds. Severe nighttime frosts can develop if skies are clear. Sometimes, stratocumulus cloud can become established leading to several days of no sunshine, which furthermore suppress daytime temperatures. Possible hazardous weather-related conditions include:

  • Droughts
  • Frosts
  • Snow showers
  • Fog
  • Poor air quality

What weather conditions are associated with areas of low pressure?

Summer

Flooded street

Low pressure in the summer can lead to periods of prolonged rainfall, which in extreme situations leads to flooding (such as the flooding of summer 2007). However, it is still possible to get nice weather in-between weather fronts, especially if the cloud clears and the Sun comes out. Possible hazardous weather-related conditions include:

  • Heavy rain
  • Flash Floods
  • Storms

Winter

Cars struggling to drive in winter snowLow pressure in the winter often signals stormy or wintry conditions. The jet stream is usually positioned further south than its summer track, meaning that the unsettled conditions affect more of the UK. Possible hazardous weather-related conditions include:

  • Frontal snowfall
  • Storms
  • Heavy rain
  • Floods