Home
Weather London
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
Career
    Home / Editor's Pick /

    Feeling under pressure? Azores High making an impact

15:00
16 May 2023

Feeling under pressure?
Azores High making an impact

Air pressure map of Europe showing Azores High over the UK and Ireland
The UK and Ireland are currently feeling the effect of the Azores High.

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.

Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
June temperature record broken again. Three days running. . . Friday, 26 June 2026
Temperature map of eastern England showing extreme heat around Ipswich and nearby areas, with temperatures reaching 36°C near Cambridge and a large red thermometer icon highlighting intense heat.
Friday, 26 June 2026

Three days running

June temperature record broken again
Record-breaking heatwave in Europe. New records. . . Thursday, 25 June 2026
A map showing extremely high temperatures across Western Europe and a warning symbol. On the right, people cool off at a fountain in front of the Eiffel Tower during the heatwave in Paris.
Thursday, 25 June 2026

New records

Record-breaking heatwave in Europe
Schools closed and more heat disruption. Red warnings now live. . . Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Split image showing a person using a sun umbrella near the Elizabeth Tower in London on the left and a temperature map of England on the right with widespread red heat, temperatures reaching 35°C near London, and a large thermometer icon.
Wednesday, 24 June 2026

Red warnings now live

Schools closed and more heat disruption
All weather news
This might also interest you
Turbulent weather in the Canary Islands. Storm and rain. . . Friday, 12 December 2025
Weather graphic showing rain and wind fields over the Canary Islands and a central warning symbol.
Friday, 12 December 2025

Storm and rain

Turbulent weather in the Canary Islands
A frozen start to the weekend. Icy conditions. . . Friday, 13 February 2026
UK temperature map dated 14.02 showing widespread subzero values in blue shading, with readings such as −4 in Glasgow, −3 in Dublin, and −2 in London, alongside a blue thermometer icon.
Friday, 13 February 2026

Icy conditions

A frozen start to the weekend
Seasonal warmth between spring thunder. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday, 19 April 2026
Split image showing coastal sunset with layered lenticular clouds over rooftops and palm trees on the left, and a green valley with river and hills under soft daylight on the right.
Sunday, 19 April 2026

Your weather - Your shots

Seasonal warmth between spring thunder
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList