How does air pressure affect the weather?
Quick Answer: Air pressure drives weather patterns. High pressure usually brings clear skies and calm weather, while low pressure often leads to clouds, wind, and storms. Changes in air pressure signal shifts in the weather you’ll experience.
Air pressure is the weight of the air above us pressing down on Earth. When air pressure drops, it causes air to rise, cool, and condense, forming clouds and precipitation. That’s why low pressure areas often mean rain or storms.
High pressure pushes air down and away, which stops clouds from forming and leads to sunnier, calmer conditions. Weather maps often show how these pressure systems move, helping predict whether it will be sunny or stormy.