Character of Surface High Pressure

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Character of Surface High Pressure
An arctic high pressure is key for heavy snow to
fall in Philadelphia. An arctic high pressure,
if positioned correctly, and with enough
strength, will aide in keeping the storm mostly
snow or all snow. In addition, an arctic high
pressure with good position and strength will
also slow down the movement of the coastal low
allowing for precipitation to fall for a longer
period of time. For heavy snow events to occur
in PHL, the best position for a high pressure is
to the west of Maine and to the north of the
PA/NY border. The high can also be located in
the Northern Plains/Midwest. As far as strength
goes, pressures above 1020mb are adequate enough
to provide decent low level cold air.
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For current surface data, click here