What is Barometric Gradient?

Barometric Gradient is the amount of change in pressure of atmosphere between two points, as shown by the distance apart of the Isobars on a synoptic chart, i.e., a ‘steep’ gradient involves considerable difference in pressure, with closely spaced isobars, while a ‘gentle’ gradient has only small difference, with widely spaced isobars. The maximum gradient direction is at right angles to the isobars. A steep gradient is associated with strong angles to the isobars. A steep gradient is associated with strong winds. In a tropical storm there may be a difference of 40 mb over only 20 mi. It is also called pressure gradient.