chriz (2013-01-10 14:44:56)

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How low pressure systems affect weather

By Chad Palmer, USATODAY.com

When forecasters say a low pressure area or storm is moving toward your region, this usually means cloudy weather and precipitation are on the way

Low pressure systems have different intensities with some producing a gentle rain while others produce hurricane force winds and a massive deluge.

The centers of all storms are areas of low air pressure.

Air rises near low pressure areas. As air rises, it cools and often condenses into clouds and precipitation.

If the low pressure area is the center of a Northern Hemisphere extratropical storm, a steady rain or snow can fall to the north of the warm front as warm moist air from the south rises up and over the cold air ahead of the warm front. Showers and thunderstorms often fire up ahead of the cold front in the warm, unstable air.

Usually, showers and thunderstorms ahead of the cold front don't last a long as the precipitation ahead of the warm front.

Due to the counterclockwise circulation around low pressure areas in the Northern Hemisphere, cold air will likely be found to the north and west of low pressure areas while warm air is most often found to the south and east of low pressure areas.

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Mametchi (2013-01-10 14:45:37)

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Junaid (2013-01-10 16:20:58)

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Closed.

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