Weather & Climate

How to Read a Barometer

For more about the weather, visit our website at www.eastbourne.gov.uk/weather

A barometer does not indicate present weather conditions but forecasts probable conditions
12 to 24 hours later, taking into consideration any changes in the direction of the wind.
A "rise" must be considered in relation to the former reading and the same principle applies to
a "fall".

Rising Barometer
A gradual but steady rise indicates settled fair weather.
A very slow rise from a low reading usually means high winds and dry weather.
A rapid rise indicates clear weather and very windy.

Falling Barometer
A gradual but steady fall indicates unsettled or wet weather.
A very slow fall from a high reading usually means wet, unpleasant weather without much
wind.
A sudden fall indicates sudden rain or snow or high winds or both.

Note:
A "rise" is a movement of the indicator hand in a clockwise direction and a "fall" in an anti-
clockwise direction.

General Note:
Winds on a low pressure system (or depression) blow anti-clockwise.
Winds on a high pressure system (or anticyclone) blow clockwise.

Buys Ballot's Law:

States "If you stand with your back to the wind, the low pressure is on your left in the
northern hemisphere".

www.eastbourne.gov.uk/weather

weather@eastbourne.gov.uk
Borough Meteorologist, 68 Grove Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4UH Tel: 01323 415369
 Forecasting Chart

This chart gives a brief guide to future weather conditions; it shows the probable weather
when the barometer reads within the points bracketed. It is essential to make sure that the
barometer is set correctly. Accurate readings can be obtained from the Borough Meteorologist
at Environmental Health.

In Winter In Summer

COLD (31.0) VERY DRY

( )
with ( to ) and
( )
FROST and FOG (30.5) SETTLED

CLEAR (30.5) FAIR

( )
and ( to ) If falling
( )
COLD (30.0) RAIN PROBABLE

CHANGEABLE (30.0) CHANGEABLE

( )
with ( to ) CLOSE and
( )
RAIN or SNOW (29.5) SHOWERY

VERY SETTLED (29.5) VERY UNSETTLED

( )
and ( to ) and
( )
MUCH RAIN (29.0) MUCH RAIN

First published July 2003. Revised March 2004.

eh leaflets/commercial/meteorology - how to read barometer