The Science Behind the Bermuda High

Several times during the Spring and Summer seasons, we deal with an area of high pressure called the Bermuda High. During this time of the year, this stationary high shows up frequently over or west of the island nation of Bermuda in the Atlantic Ocean. Since high pressure spins clockwise, it brings the hot, moist air over the tropical ocean waters by the Carribean Sea in a northward direction. That means areas along the East Coast receive the warm and more humid air whenever there is the Bermuda High in the correct place.​

The exact location of this high can also determine our weather. When the high is closer to the East Coast but still far off the coast over the ocean, that will keep this region of the United States hot and dry. However, when the high is more over Bermuda, it will remain hot, but showers and storms may sneak in because the high pressure wouldn't be as strong over the East Coast. These Bermuda Highs are often the reason for lengthy heat waves in the Eastern US.

During the Winter and Fall seasons, the Bermuda High changes its names to the Azores High. That's because this high is east of Bermuda and closer to Africa and Europe. Off the western coast of Africa, there is the country called, The Azores, so that's where it gets its name.

​Now you know the science behind the Bermuda High.

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