Oregon Public Broadcasting

In weather news, a ridge of high pressure that passed over the Northwest Thursday morning caused some of the highest atmospheric pressure readings ever observed here. That also contributed to the destructive winds in California and the mountain West.

Early Thursday morning, SeaTac Airport and Bellingham measured the all-time highest air pressures since recordkeeping began in those places in 1948. The barometer at Portland's airport tied the second highest reading for the Rose City.

Some people noticed because they felt a sinus pressure headache or toothache come on. University of Washington weather expert Cliff Mass noticed something different. He says very high pressure over our region revved up fierce winds across the Southwest.

"So during the last day or so, there have been extraordinarily high winds that are striking southern California, parts of Utah and Nevada as air is rushing from the high pressure over us to the lower pressure over the Southwest," Mass explains.

Mass says a high pressure system is now stalled offshore. That's allowing cold, dense air to settle in over most of the Northwest.

Stagnant air has led some of the region's clean air agencies to issue burning restrictions on fireplaces and wood stoves until further notice.

KPLU Radio contributed to this story.

On the Web:

Prof. Cliff Mass weather blog:

http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2011/12/history-is-made-highest-pressure-in-sea.html

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