What Is a High or Low Reading in Barometric Pressure?
The Weather Hut explains that barometric pressure "measures the weight of air in the atmosphere above as a pressure." Changes in this pressure correspond to changes in weather. Electronic barometers now are available in addition to older-style units that use a needle and dial to track pressure changes.
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Amount of Barometric Change
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Barometric pressure often is measured in inches of mercury, or in-Hg. If barometric pressure rises or falls more than 0.18 in-Hg in less than three hours, barometric pressure is said to be changing rapidly. A change of 0.003 to 0.04 in-Hg in less than three hours indicates a slow change in barometric pressure. A change of less than 0.003 in-Hg in less than three hours is considered to be holding steady.
Time and Pressure Change
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Approaching storms and wind cause barometric pressure to decrease. Rising pressure indicates fair weather. The longer it takes barometric pressure to change, the longer the coming weather pattern can be expected to last.
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Small Disturbances
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It is possible that a small weather event, such as a passing shower, may trigger no change in barometric pressure.
Record High
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According to USA Today, the highest barometric pressure ever recorded was 32.01 inches. This reading was taken in Agata, Siberia, on December 31, 1968, during clear and extremely cold weather.
Record Low
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USA Today reports that during a typhoon on October 12, 1979, the lowest known barometric pressure was recorded over the Pacific Ocean. The pressure was 25.9 inches.
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