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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The University of West Florida