Barometric pressure, often referred to as atmospheric pressure, is the pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere at a given point. In the context of a hurricane, which is a powerful tropical storm system, barometric pressure is a crucial indicator of its intensity and strength.
As a hurricane forms and strengthens, the barometric pressure at its center drops significantly. This drop in pressure creates a pressure gradient, leading to stronger winds as air moves from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure. The lower the central pressure, the higher the wind speeds can become, which is why meteorologists closely monitor this measurement.
In essence, the barometric pressure in a hurricane helps to gauge its potential destructiveness. A rapid decrease in pressure indicates that the storm is intensifying, while a rise in pressure might suggest that it is weakening. Thus, understanding barometric pressure is vital for forecasting the behavior and impact of hurricanes.