What is high or low barometric pressure? Adjusted to sea level, a pressure reading above 30.2 inHg is considered to be high pressure, and below 29.8 inHg is considered low. Most of the time, in human-inhabited places, the barometric pressure will stay close to the normal range (29.8 inHg-30.2 inHg), and will rarely exceed 30.5 inHg or fall below 29.4 inHg. The average barometric pressure is 29.92 inHg (or 1 atmosphere!). In summary:
High Pressure: above 30.2 inHg
Normal Range: 29.8 inHg - 30.2 inHg
Low Pressure: below 29.8 inHg
However, only looking at the barometric pressure at a given time is not as helpful as seeing it in the context of the change in pressure. Meteorologists care more about changes in barometric pressure, which is why you will often see an arrow pointing up or down, or the words “rising” or “falling”, next to a pressure reading in a weather app. Barometricpressure.app is designed to help you visualize these changes in pressure.
FAQs
The ideal barometric pressure typically falls between 29 and 31 inHg. This barometric pressure is comfortable for most people and will possibly allow them to live with less joint pain, especially if the area they reside in does not fluctuate rapidly throughout the day or week with barometric pressure readings.
Is 29.93 barometric pressure high? ›
A barometric reading over 30.20 inHg is generally considered high, and high pressure is associated with clear skies and calm weather. A barometric reading below 29.80 inHg is generally considered low, and low pressure is associated with warm air and rainstorms.
What is considered normal barometric pressure? ›
Know what represents reasonable barometer readings
Normal is 29.9; range ~29.6 - 30.2 inches Hg (752-767 mm Hg)… at SEA LEVEL! Rarely (at sea level) do readings exceed 30.4 inches Hg (773 mm Hg)… except for occasional arctic highs in January.
What is the highest barometric pressure recorded on Earth to date? ›
Records. The highest adjusted-to-sea level barometric pressure ever recorded on Earth (above 750 meters) was 1,084.8 hPa (32.03 inHg) measured in Tosontsengel, Mongolia on 19 December 2001.
Why is my body so sensitive to barometric pressure? ›
Research indicates changes in barometric pressure may affect mood and alter pain sensitivity in some people. Change in outside air pressure is thought to make blood vessels and tissues expand, which may cause pain in some people.
What barometric pressure causes discomfort? ›
Low barometric pressure may irritate sensitive nerves and cause tissues in your body to swell. It makes your muscles, tendons, and any scar tissue contract and expand, creating pain in the joints.
What level of barometric pressure causes headaches? ›
Pressure Increases Headache
Patients developed migraine at a rate of 23.5% when the atmospheric pressure ranged from 1005 to < 1007 hPa, and at a rate of 26.5% when the atmospheric pressure ranged from 1003 to < 1005 hPa.
Does low barometric pressure make you tired? ›
When the pressure drops, it can cause a decrease in oxygen and blood flow to the brain, leading to headaches. Fatigue: Low barometric pressure can cause fatigue and lethargy, particularly in people who are sensitive to changes in pressure. This is because low pressure can cause a decrease in oxygen levels in the body.
What is the lowest barometric pressure ever recorded? ›
The lowest sea-level air pressure ever recorded was 870 mb (25.69 in. Hg) measured on October 12, 1979 in the eye of Typhoon Tip as it moved over Guam.
What state has the highest barometric pressure? ›
The North American record for highest recorded barometric pressure is 31.85 in Hg, set in 1989 in Northway, Alaska.
High-pressure areas usually are areas of fair, settled weather. Low-pressure areas are places where the atmosphere is relatively thin.
What should my barometer be set at? ›
So, for example, if the Met Office observation shows 1013 hPa, then you should set your barometer to 1013/33.86 = 29.92 inches, or as close as possible to this. After a few days you can check that the barometer is changing correctly by going back to the Met Office website.
What city in the US has the most stable barometric pressure? ›
- Honolulu.
- Miami.
- San Diego.
- Los Angeles.
- Tampa.
- San Jose.
- Sacramento.
- San Francisco.
Where to live to avoid barometric pressure? ›
San Diego, California
Sunny San Diego is another solid friend with a stable climate and gentle changes in barometric pressure. Plus, its mild weather and low humidity are like a gentle sea breeze on your face.
What is the lowest barometric pressure a human can survive? ›
The lowest pressure for survival is 61.8 millibars because below that gas embolisms stop blood flow. Even so, one would only survive until desth from hypoxia. The lowest pressure humans can breathe at is 121 millibars, but there has to be a pure oxygen supply.
What is the ideal atmospheric pressure for humans? ›
The ideal atmospheric pressure is 1013 atmospheric pressure units (hectopascals), and a decrease in barometric pressure between 6-10 units has been associated with a higher likelihood of migraine headaches.
Is high or low barometric pressure more comfortable? ›
Researchers have found that high barometric pressure can make people more sensitive to pain while low barometric pressures make them less sensitive to it. So, changes in barometric pressure doesn't necessarily cause pain, but it does influence how our minds (and thus our bodies) react to it.
Is barometric pressure higher or lower in cold weather? ›
The decreasing air density then lowers the pressure exerted by the air. Warm air is thus lighter (less dense) than cold air and consequently exerts less pressure.
How do I become less sensitive to barometric pressure? ›
Ways to keep barometric pressure headaches at bay
- Avoid other triggers when the weather is bad. ...
- Keep rescue medications handy. ...
- Ask about preventive options. ...
- Manage your stress. ...
- Drink more water. ...
- Wear sunglasses.