Bermuda High
The Bermuda High is a semi-permanent, subtropical area of high pressure
in the North Atlantic Ocean that migrates east and west with varying central
pressure. When it is displaced westward, during the Northern Hemispheric
summer and fall, the center is located in the western North Atlantic,
near Bermuda. In the winter and early spring, it is primarily centered
near the Azores Islands and called the Azores High.
During summer, westward ridging from the Bermuda High is the major synoptic
influence on sea level pressure locally. When the Panhandle is under
the influence of the Bermuda High (located along the eastern seaboard)
the following rules of thumb may apply:
1) On average in June, July and August, expect thunderstorms
on station or in the vicinity of the station 1 to 3 hours after the southwest
sea breeze begins. The sea breeze front usually extends 3 to 8 miles
inland for this area. Thunderstorms over I-10 are common in July
and August. Expect thunderstorms on or in the vicinity of the station at
or 1-hour after max heating. Max heating normally occurs between
1100-1300L.
2) In August, the sea breeze is predominately from the southeast
with a weaker gradient force. Expect thunderstorms to develop overhead
more frequently.
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