subtropical high

[ suhb-trop-i-kuhl hahy ]

noun

, Meteorology.

1. a system of high atmospheric pressure, as the Azores high and the North Pacific high, that prevails over an ocean at the horse latitudes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtropical high¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

A severe heatwave across the basin of China's longest river, caused by a larger than usual Western Pacific subtropical high, has now lasted more than two months, slashing hydropower supplies and drying out large expanses of arable land.

From Reuters

A "special case" of high pressure from the West Pacific subtropical high, stretching across much of Asia, is likely to be the cause of the extreme heat, said Cai Wenju, climate researcher with CSIRO, Australia's national scientific research institute.

From Reuters

The heavy storms over the Yangtze River Basin are the result of a western Pacific subtropical high, a pressure system that every summer carries warm air from south to north.

From Los Angeles Times

This pattern, in turn, is associated with a greatly expanded subtropical high pressure system over much of the US at the moment, with the jet stream pushed well to the north.

From The Guardian

Kottlowski continued, "The temps are not nearly as warm as they were last year, and also the upper air pattern looks slightly different... than last year, so that could have an impact as to where that subtropical high, that big high pressure area that helps guide tropical storms, sets up."

From Scientific American