When you watch the weather on television or see a weather map in a newspaper you often see a lot of different symbols. Most of the time you see capital L’s and H's. Jackie from Ashland, Ky., sent an e-mail wanting to know more about these L's and H's. Of course, we're talking about high pressure and low pressure systems.

On a weather map, a low pressure area is symbolized by a capital l. Usually it's red. On our graphics we also show the direction in which the air flows around it. Low pressure areas in the Northern Hemisphere, where we're located, have a counter clockwise rotation. Low pressure areas are associated with rising air; this causes the atmosphere to become unstable. When air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and then precipitation.

High pressure, on the other hand, is the opposite of low pressure and can be though of as a "fair weather friend." High pressure areas on a weather map are symbolized by a capital H and are usually blue. With high pressure, the air flows around it in a clockwise fashion. The air sinks and, with sinking air, the atmosphere becomes stable. This allows for sunny skies and pleasant conditions. But in winter, when a Canadian high builds in, we often experience an Arctic blast of cold air.

If you're away from your TV and computer and still need the forecast, give our Weather Centers a call. In Huntington dial 304-690-3078, and in Charleston call 304-340-4655.