You quickly glance at your barometer and see a reading of 1013 hPa. But is that high or low? And, more importantly, what does it tell you about what’s happening outside?

Understanding the scale on your barometer is key to making sense of its readings. While the current pressure reading can tell you a lot, it’s often the changes in pressure over time that reveal even more about the weather around you.

In this guide, we'll take a closer look at what different barometer readings mean, how high and low pressure can influence the weather, and why the direction pressure is moving in is often just as interesting as the number itself.

What is a normal barometer reading?

Atmospheric pressure is measured in hectopascals (hPa), with the average pressure at sea level sitting at around 1013 hPa. However, air pressure naturally rises and falls. Factors such as altitude, temperature and local weather systems can affect air pressure, and a single reading doesn’t necessarily guarantee a particular type of weather. Instead, watching whether pressure readings are rising, falling or remaining steady can give you a clearer picture of what weather changes may be next.

Top Tip: You know that adjustable pointer on your barometer dial? It’s there to help you track changes in atmospheric pressure. Simply line it up with where the needle is currently pointing, then when you check your dial later you can see whether pressure has risen, fallen or remained the same.

What does high air pressure mean?

High atmospheric pressure occurs when heavy air sinks towards the Earth's surface, making it difficult for moisture to rise and form clouds. For us, this means clearer, drier, and more settled weather from those hot, sunny summer days (especially the summer of 2026!) During the autumn and winter months, high-pressure systems can bring cold, settled conditions, including crisp, frost-covered mornings, low clouds, and that fog we all dread driving in.

What does low air pressure mean?

Low atmospheric pressure occurs when warm air rises into the atmosphere. As it rises, the air cools and condenses, causing clouds to form and rainfall to occur. Low-pressure systems bring unsettled weather, including cloudy skies, rainfall and stronger winds. Temperatures are often much cooler, too, due to the clouds blocking the sun’s rays. 

These are the days when you’re most likely snuggled up on the sofa with a cup of tea, and glad you didn’t make plans to go out that evening.

Why does the direction of change matter?

A current barometer reading gives you a snapshot of the atmospheric pressure at that moment. However, watching whether pressure is rising, falling or remaining steady can give you a better indication of how your local conditions are changing. A rising needle may suggest conditions are becoming more settled, while falling pressure can indicate increasingly unsettled weather.

A simple guide to barometer readings:

·       High pressure above 1023 hPa with rising or steady pressure – Brings fine, dry weather and clear skies.

·       High pressure above 1023 hPa that is falling – Suggests cloudier conditions are on their way.

·       Moderate pressure around 1009-1023 hPa that is rising – Indicates improving or settled weather conditions.

·       Moderate pressure around 1009-1023 hPa that is falling – Indicates increasingly unsettled conditions, with cloud and light rain becoming more likely.

·       Low pressure below 1009 hPa that is falling – Indicates more unsettled conditions such as high winds, rain and even storms.

Low pressure below 1009 hPa that is rising – Suggests that conditions are starting to improve, with cool and clearer skies.

Top Tip: To help ensure the most accurate readings, give the face of your barometer a gentle tap before checking the needle. Want to know why? Discover what happens inside your barometer and how a simple tap can help you get a clearer reading in our guide: Why You Should Tap Your Barometer.

A barometer can become a fascinating part of your daily routine, encouraging you to look up at the sky, notice even the smallest of changes and observe the weather around you.

To learn more about how a barometer works, setting up your barometer, and how to choose the right instrument for your home, take a look at our blog: Barometers: How They Predict the Weather

FAQs: 

• Is 1013 hPa considered high or low pressure?
  
• A reading of 1013 hPa is considered the average atmospheric pressure at sea level. However, atmospheric pressure does naturally rise and fall, and a single reading doesn't guarantee that a particular type of weather is approaching.

• How often should I check my barometer?
• Checking your barometer once or twice a day is a great way to start observing changes in atmospheric pressure. If conditions are changing quickly, you may want to check it more regularly and compare readings with what is happening outside.

• Can changes in air pressure cause headaches?
• Yes, changes in barometric pressure can cause headaches and pain. Commonly associated with low air pressure. When outside air pressure drops, which is usually before rainfall or stormy weather, this affects the pressure in your sinuses and other parts of your body.

• How do I set the barometer to my location?
• To ensure best accuracy, visit metoffice.gov.uk and type in your location details to find out your local pressure readings. Using the small cog on the back of your barometer, simply adjust the needle to the current reading. It is best to leave your barometer for a couple of days to set before you begin taking readings.