METEOROLOGIST JEFF HABY
The relationship between isobar spacing and wind speed is that the closer the isobar spacing then the stronger the wind speed. The spacing
between isobars represents a pressure differential between those two isobars. When two isobars are closer together then the pressure changes
at a greater rate over distance. It is pressure differences that set the air in motion. When isobars are spaced far apart then the pressure
changes more gradually over distance and thus the wind speed is weaker.
The example below shows the influence on isobar spacing on wind speed. Over Missouri, the isobars are spaced far apart. There is very
little change in pressure over distance and this results in winds that are light (5 knots or less) and variable. The wind is more
organized and stronger (mainly 10 knot values) over Oklahoma where the isobar spacing is closer.
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