Feeling under pressure? Azores High making an impact

The UK and Ireland are feeling the effects of the Azores High area of pressure currently sitting over the two countries.

High pressure is nothing new, but right now a very specific form is impacting our weather. The Azores High is a semi-permanent area of high pressure which typically rests over the Atlantic Ocean, named after the Azores Islands.

During summer, this high generally moves towards Bermuda, allowing warm air to push north and deliver warming temperatures to our shores. When it moves closer, it can suppress poor weather and redirect air flow.

With the high over us, the impact of the jet stream is lessened. In fact, right now we are seeing chillier temperatures because of the high's influence.

Air is being diverted north, around the pressure, towards colder climates before rushing back south bringing that chill with them.

Meanwhile, two low pressure systems currently affecting Scandinavia and Central Europe are being kept at bay. Resulting in largely clear but chilly days, particularly in the mornings.

High- and low-pressure areas have big impacts on our weather.

Air pressure refers to the force that the air is exerting on the ground. Within areas of high-pressure, air slowly sinks to the ground with air warming as it descends helping to suppress storms and showers.

See the impact of these systems for yourself with all weather conditions visible in our WeatherRadar.