Weather Systems

Anticyclones or High Pressure

Anticyclones are areas of high pressure, whose centres are often less well defined than depressions, and are associated with quiet, settled weather. Winds blow in a clockwise direction around anticyclones in the northern hemisphere; and an anticlockwise direction in the southern hemisphere.

Depressions or Low Pressure

Depressions are areas of low pressure, usually with a well-defined centre, and are associated with unsettled weather. Winds blow in an anticlockwise direction around depressions in the northern hemisphere, and a clockwise direction in the southern hemisphere.