bermuda high: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “bermuda high” mean?
A semi-permanent area of high atmospheric pressure located over the North Atlantic Ocean, near Bermuda.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A semi-permanent area of high atmospheric pressure located over the North Atlantic Ocean, near Bermuda.
In meteorology, a subtropical ridge that influences weather patterns in the eastern United States and western Atlantic, often associated with warm, humid conditions and steering hurricanes and tropical storms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used more frequently and is more culturally embedded in American English due to its direct impact on US weather, especially hurricane paths. British usage is primarily in meteorological or academic contexts.
Connotations
In American English, it often connotes summer heatwaves and hurricane season. In British English, it is a neutral, technical term describing Atlantic pressure systems.
Frequency
High frequency in American weather reporting and discussion, especially in coastal regions. Very low frequency in general British English.
Grammar
How to Use “bermuda high” in a Sentence
The Bermuda High [verbs: strengthens/weakens/shifts].The [adj: persistent/strong] Bermuda High [verbs: steers/influences] [noun: hurricanes/weather].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bermuda high” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ridge is forecast to Bermuda-High-like conditions over the weekend. (rare, constructed)
American English
- The storm is expected to be Bermud-High-steered toward the coast. (informal weather jargon)
adjective
British English
- The forecaster discussed the Bermuda High circulation.
American English
- We're in for another Bermuda High kind of summer—hot and humid.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in industries like agriculture, energy, or insurance where long-term weather forecasts impact operations.
Academic
Common in meteorology, climatology, and environmental science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Used in US weather forecasts and news reports, especially during hurricane season. Uncommon in casual UK conversation.
Technical
Precise term in synoptic meteorology and oceanography for describing pressure patterns and storm steering.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bermuda high”
- Incorrectly writing it in lowercase ('bermuda high').
- Using it as a general term for any high pressure.
- Confusing it with the 'Bermuda Triangle'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are part of the same subtropical ridge. When the centre is near Bermuda, it's called the Bermuda High; when it's displaced eastward near the Azores, it's the Azores High.
It acts as a steering mechanism. Its size and strength determine whether hurricanes turn harmlessly out to sea or are guided towards land.
Yes, a particularly strong and persistent Bermuda High can block rain-bearing systems, leading to drought conditions in parts of the southeastern US.
It is understood in meteorological contexts, but 'Azores High' is more common in UK forecasts as it more directly influences European weather.
A semi-permanent area of high atmospheric pressure located over the North Atlantic Ocean, near Bermuda.
Bermuda high is usually technical / scientific in register.
Bermuda high: in British English it is pronounced /bəˌmjuː.də ˈhaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɚˈmjuː.də ˈhaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Riding the ridge (meteorological slang related to its influence)”
- “Under the influence of the High”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Bermuda' as the center of a stubborn, high-pressure 'boss' in the Atlantic that directs weather traffic, especially storms.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STEERING WHEEL or a TRAFFIC CONTROLLER for Atlantic weather systems.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary weather phenomenon associated with the Bermuda High in the eastern United States?