anticyclonisk

Anticyclonisk is a meteorological term used to describe conditions related to an anticyclone, a large-scale high-pressure system. The term is used in several Scandinavian languages (for example, anticyklonisk in Swedish and anticyklonisk in Danish/Norwegian) and derives from Greek roots meaning “against circle,” referring to the outward, subsiding air around a high-pressure center.

An anticyclone features subsiding air that suppresses vertical development of clouds, leading to stable atmospheric conditions. As air descends, it warms adiabatically, which often results in clear or lightly clouded skies. These conditions are common in mid to high latitudes and can persist for several days to weeks, especially when a blocking pattern is established.

Weather associated with anticyclonisk conditions tends to be dry and calm. In the Northern Hemisphere, the wind around the center circulates clockwise, with surface winds generally light and outward from the center, while in the Southern Hemisphere the rotation is counterclockwise. Surface-based temperature patterns vary by season and location; winter inversions can trap cold air and create fog or frost, whereas summer anticyclones can bring heat waves and arid conditions. Poor air quality can arise from stagnation and limited vertical mixing.

Occurrence and impact: anticyclones are common globally and include subtropical highs, polar highs, and persistent mid-latitude highs. They interact with the jet stream and weather systems, sometimes acting as blocking features that steer or slow storm tracks. In weather forecasting, anticyclonisk conditions signal stability but can also indicate extreme temperatures and air-quality concerns depending on the region and season.