FAI Weather Practice Exam 2026 - Free Weather Practice Questions and Study Guide

In a high-pressure system, the typical air movement pattern is characterized by downward and outward motion. High-pressure systems, or anticyclones, are associated with descending air that compresses and warms as it moves downwards. This causes the air to become denser and creates clear, stable weather conditions.

As the air descends, it spreads outward from the center of the high-pressure area. This outward flow contributes to the formation of light winds and can lead to fair weather conditions, as the descending air inhibits cloud formation and precipitation.

The other options, such as inward and counterclockwise or upward and clockwise, describe patterns associated with low-pressure systems or different atmospheric dynamics. Horizontal and variably does not effectively capture the distinct downward movement typical of high-pressure systems. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for weather forecasting and analysis.